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Johannesburg - As a member of Business Unity SA (Busa) the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHi) wants to elevate its programme for entrepreneurs under the auspices of Business Unity SA (Busa) and expand it nationwide.
Over the past years many aspiring entrepreneurs have benefitted from the AHi's entrepreneurship courses, according to CEO Christo van der Rheede.
This is done in cooperation with business chambers and seeks to create training, mentorship, business ideas and funding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
So far the AHi has offered courses to 15 groups, each consisting of 30 young people.
These courses are followed up by a mentorship programme and several additional information sessions.
"For this purpose, the expertise within business chambers is harnessed," said Van der Rheede.
For example, Dr Willie Celliers, chair of the George Business Chamber, is currently conducting financial training for prospective and emerging entrepreneurs in the Southern Cape.
Business leaders in other business chambers also share their experience and knowledge with aspiring entrepreneurs.
"The National Development Plan (NDP) emphasises the importance of small business and the role of this sector in job creation," said Van der Rheede.
"As part of the AHi's mission to support the goals of the NDP, it continuously intensifies its focus on small business development in South Africa."
Talks have already been conducted with Fasa (Franchise Association of South Africa) with a view to create awareness among entrepreneurs of franchise opportunities available.
Funding made available by the Jobs Fund will also make it easier for prospective entrepreneurs to acquire a franchise and to receive extensive training.
A number of business chambers have introduced the entrepreneurs programme in places such as Eersterust, Hammanskraal, Mossel Bay, George, Robertson, Bonnievale, Bethelsdorp, Vanderbijl Park, Oudtshoorn, Tsitsikamma, Kwattu San Cultural Centre near Atlantis, Potchefstroom, Modimolle and Olievenhoutbosch.
Training in Bothaville, Malmesbury, Bredasdorp and QwaQwa will follow soon.
Corporate members of the AHi, such as Toyota, assist with financing. Trias, the Belgian Chamber of Commerce contributes liberally to the financing of the project.
To date, the AHi's entrepreneurship programme has produced a number of success stories.
Kathleen Bester of Bonnievale enrolled for the entrepreneurship programme after being involved in the clothing industry for more than 22 years.
She currently manufactures clothing and does alterations, providing a valuable service to the community.
Tillie Mitchell of Robertson is the owner of Dagbreek café and she sells freshly fried fish and chips.
Her turnover has increased significantly after attending the AHi's entrepreneurship course.
Frank Hornby, owner of Auto Spa in George invites consumers to have their cars washed while they enjoy hot coffee in a room equipped with a range of facilities including free internet.
Hornby also conducts car inspections and provides other services.
Alida Taljaard of Bonnievale has converted her hobby into a profitable soap- making industry.
With the help of her husband she has built equipment enabling her to manufacture soap at a large scale.
Nadia Cornelissen, project manager responsible for local economic development is the key driver behind this project.
She describes the energy of these young entrepreneurs as infectious and states that it is of the utmost importance that the AHi and business chambers provide ongoing support to ensure sustainability and further growth.
A cause for concern to her is the apparent unwillingness of financial institutions to support first, own enterprises.
"The department of trade and industry and other institutions are called upon to support the AHi in its efforts to open up opportunities for young people who are eager to start their own enterprises," said Van der Rheede.
"Young people, however, must also realise the importance of a good and viable business plan. Success is however not a given, but through sheer hard work and perseverance anything is possible."
Over the past years many aspiring entrepreneurs have benefitted from the AHi's entrepreneurship courses, according to CEO Christo van der Rheede.
This is done in cooperation with business chambers and seeks to create training, mentorship, business ideas and funding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
So far the AHi has offered courses to 15 groups, each consisting of 30 young people.
These courses are followed up by a mentorship programme and several additional information sessions.
"For this purpose, the expertise within business chambers is harnessed," said Van der Rheede.
For example, Dr Willie Celliers, chair of the George Business Chamber, is currently conducting financial training for prospective and emerging entrepreneurs in the Southern Cape.
Business leaders in other business chambers also share their experience and knowledge with aspiring entrepreneurs.
"The National Development Plan (NDP) emphasises the importance of small business and the role of this sector in job creation," said Van der Rheede.
"As part of the AHi's mission to support the goals of the NDP, it continuously intensifies its focus on small business development in South Africa."
Talks have already been conducted with Fasa (Franchise Association of South Africa) with a view to create awareness among entrepreneurs of franchise opportunities available.
Funding made available by the Jobs Fund will also make it easier for prospective entrepreneurs to acquire a franchise and to receive extensive training.
A number of business chambers have introduced the entrepreneurs programme in places such as Eersterust, Hammanskraal, Mossel Bay, George, Robertson, Bonnievale, Bethelsdorp, Vanderbijl Park, Oudtshoorn, Tsitsikamma, Kwattu San Cultural Centre near Atlantis, Potchefstroom, Modimolle and Olievenhoutbosch.
Training in Bothaville, Malmesbury, Bredasdorp and QwaQwa will follow soon.
Corporate members of the AHi, such as Toyota, assist with financing. Trias, the Belgian Chamber of Commerce contributes liberally to the financing of the project.
To date, the AHi's entrepreneurship programme has produced a number of success stories.
Kathleen Bester of Bonnievale enrolled for the entrepreneurship programme after being involved in the clothing industry for more than 22 years.
She currently manufactures clothing and does alterations, providing a valuable service to the community.
Tillie Mitchell of Robertson is the owner of Dagbreek café and she sells freshly fried fish and chips.
Her turnover has increased significantly after attending the AHi's entrepreneurship course.
Frank Hornby, owner of Auto Spa in George invites consumers to have their cars washed while they enjoy hot coffee in a room equipped with a range of facilities including free internet.
Hornby also conducts car inspections and provides other services.
Alida Taljaard of Bonnievale has converted her hobby into a profitable soap- making industry.
With the help of her husband she has built equipment enabling her to manufacture soap at a large scale.
Nadia Cornelissen, project manager responsible for local economic development is the key driver behind this project.
She describes the energy of these young entrepreneurs as infectious and states that it is of the utmost importance that the AHi and business chambers provide ongoing support to ensure sustainability and further growth.
A cause for concern to her is the apparent unwillingness of financial institutions to support first, own enterprises.
"The department of trade and industry and other institutions are called upon to support the AHi in its efforts to open up opportunities for young people who are eager to start their own enterprises," said Van der Rheede.
"Young people, however, must also realise the importance of a good and viable business plan. Success is however not a given, but through sheer hard work and perseverance anything is possible."
