Are you a young black entrepreneur? You can apply for the SAB KickStart Youth Entrepreneurial programme and stand the chance of winning a share of more than R3 million in grant funding. The programme hopes to spur job creation by empowering South Africa’s youths to venture into entrepreneurship by offering them capital, mentorship and training. Gear up and apply quick!
This is an opportunity not to be missed: to be eligible you should be aged between 18 and 35 years. You should also be running an existing business or have a viable business idea worth funding. The deadline for application is June 28th. Which means… today!
Winners are selected based on their passion and ambition, the viability and sustainability of their business ideas and the growth potential demonstrated by their businesses or ideas.
The programme run by the South African Breweries Limited was launched in 1995. More than 22 800 young entrepreneurs have since benefitted from the youth entrepreneurship development programme. Other than funding of between R30, 000 to R250, 000, selected entrepreneurs will also receive skills development and mentorship for up to eight months.
The programme is aimed at helping disadvantaged young innovative entrepreneurs in South Africa expand their small businesses and turn their business ideas into successful profitable ventures.
According to SAB Director of Corporate Affairs and Transformation Dr Vincent Maphai the youth programme seeks to address the lack of jobs among South Africa’s youth propelled by the lack of education and adequate skills.
“SA is faced with high levels of unemployment and SAB KickStart is an appropriate continued response to the country’s national priority to create jobs, particularly amongst the country’s youth, by providing them with entrepreneurship opportunities through skills development,” said Dr Maphai in a statement.
The competition has several phases which will include regional selection of entrepreneurs who will then undergo a two week business skills training programme. They will then be required to draft a business plan which will be presented to a panel of judges and considered for regional grants.
Regional winners will then be allocated mentors for six months who will guide them towards building successful enterprises before they proceed to the National KickStart Awards Ceremony where they will stand the chance of winning additional grants and mentoring support.
For more information on SAB KickStart and the application criteria go to www.sabkickstart.co.za
