Cape Town - Despite the enormous focus placed on encouraging
entrepreneurial activities in SA, thousands of dreams continue to be shattered
as SMEs falter and fail.
The main reason for this is because entrepreneurs tend to
follow their passion but often never stop to learn the actual nitty-gritty of
running a successful business. In an effort to offset this trend, Fetola, a
non-profit organisation, runs a free business development initiative for SMEs
and non-profit organisations.
This mentoring service to help SME’s & NGO’s do better
business, is calling for all businesses and non-profit organisations to apply.
The service is free.
Only a few days remain for business owners to sign up for
the business mentorship and support programme that could turn their company’s
dreams into reality.
Applications for the Fetola Legends programme close on
January 7, after which a selection process will take place before the 2013
beneficiaries are announced.
The Legends programme has changed the fortunes of hundreds
of participants in the past five years, providing participating businesses with
real advice from people who have been in their shoes.
The Legends team is made up of entrepreneurs with solid
track records, who know and understand what South African businesses need to
survive and thrive, and who have developed exactly the tools and support
structures that a business needs to grow.
There is no cost to join the programme, as funding is
provided by the Old Mutual Foundation and other donors, (although some
activities are charged at a nominal fee on a cost-share basis), but businesses
must demonstrate a track record and participants must be committed to
completing the programme and implementing its learnings, to ensure success.
Anyone may apply, although there is a selection process. But
once a business is accepted into the programme, a new world awaits in 2013,
with access to:
- Experienced mentors 24 /7
- The
practical tools and templates businesses need to grow
- A
community of peers and their enterprises
- Focused
workshops and e-learning modules to improve business knowledge
- Market
access opportunities and brand development, and
- Needs-based
business support and systems development.
“It is a sad truth that too many small and medium businesses
in SA struggle and fail a few years into existence, but ensuring a company is
built on a solid foundation is a surefire way to improve its chances of
survival and growth,” said Catherine Wijnberg, Director of Fetola.
Interested small business & NPO leaders should sign up
before January 7, and can do so online at www.golegends.co.za, via the online
application form.
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