Have you got a dope idea and want to start your own business?

The Awethu Project is a progressive, young, Black and innovative entrepreneurship development company in South Africa. They look for young people with potential that either want to start up businesses, or are currently running businesses, and want to see them grow.

They are looking for potential entrepreneurs to join their 24 week Incubation Programme which will give you the opportunity to gain the skills and experience to become a successful entrepreneur.Once selected, if you do not already own a business, you will be required to start a micro business in order to remain in the programme.

To be eligible for the programme, potential entrepreneurs can be employed full time or part time, they can have a business idea or they do not have to have an idea, but above all, they have to be determined and tenacious. They should have the absolute right attitude to success and the rest will follow.

So what is The Awethu Project’s Micro Business Incubation Programme?

The Micro Business Incubator provides a platform for individuals who want to be successful entrepreneurs, but realise the importance of upskilling themselves before venturing out into the unfamiliar – and often costly – territory of entrepreneurship.

If you’re selected, you will join a team of like-minded entrepreneurs looking to upskill themselves on their journey to becoming successful entrepreneurs. In your team, you will work with an Awethu Business Associate who will mentor you during the 24 week Incubation Programme.
This programme includes a business course comprised of at least 20 practical business modules that will aid you on your journey to becoming an empowered business owner.

After graduating from the programme, you can use the skills and experience you gained, to replicate or scale your existing business. Or go on to start your dream business, knowing you are equipped to do so.

To apply

SMS action to 45345 to apply or apply online http://goo.gl/VDEyCx.

What they’re looking for:

• People with can-do attitude who want to improve their live by starting or growing their business.
• Passionate people that want to learn how to become successful entrepreneurs in a micro business setting.
• Entrepreneurs that are prepared to work hard to get ahead and who see obstacles as opportunities, not barriers.
• NB: If you’re currently running a business that is already formalised and employs more than 8 people then you will not gain much from this programme.

If you want to join, what should your goals be?

• The Awethu Incubation process is tough; you should only consider joining if you have the following goals in mind:
• You want to grow your business and become successful.
• You want to build a business that will work for you (as opposed to an informal business where you work for your business).
• You want to learn how to formalise your business so that you can access the formal economy.

What should you expect?

• During the 24 week programme you will have access to the following:
• Business Skills Training – This Incubation programme is customised to give you the knowledge you need to run a successful micro enterprise. These skills are easily transferable to future business leadership positions.
• Business Tools – As a micro business entrepreneur, you don’t have the budget to spend on tools like expensive accounting packages. We assist by providing you with some of the tools you need to run a successful, formalised micro enterprise.
• Access to Funding – After going through the Incubation process, you will be in a strong position to apply for larger sums of capital from other funders.
• Coaching – You will have a dedicated Business Associate to mentor and advise you as you grow your business.
• An Environment that Breeds Success – The Incubator is a unique, competitive, target-driven environment that will push you to achieve your business goals.

What are the qualifying criteria?

• Basic computer skills and access to the internet.
• You need to be able to communicate in English.
• Should you be selected for the Micro Business Incubator:
  • You need to be able to meet with your Business Associate weekly during office hours.
  • Attendance at weekly training sessions, which last 3 hours, over a 24 week period.

How much will it cost you?

• R500 application fee that will allow you to enter the Awethu Launch Pad (here you will learn how to assess the viability of your business idea, create a business plan and be assessed in order to determine whether you meet our minimum entry requirements).
• If you are accepted into the Incubator after the Launch Pad, they will charge R500 for the first 12 weeks.
• Based on your performance during the first 12 weeks, you will progress to the remaining 12 weeks, which will cost a further R500.
• Total cost to you is R1000 but the programme is worth over R45 000!

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