Entrepreneurship is fast becoming a key pillar in the growth of the South African economy. While the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report released in January this year shows that conditions that support the South African Entrepreneurial ecosystem have slipped and that fewer adults are involved in entrepreneurial activity, it is widely understood that entrepreneurship is one of the answers to dealing with youth unemployment.
Government has shown a commitment to supporting the growth and development of small businesses through the creation of the Department of Small Business Development but government’s effort alone is not enough.
To this end, the South African Teen Entrepreneur Foundation which was established in 2009 exists for the sole purpose of instilling a culture of entrepreneurship amongst South African Teens.
In partnership with Angels Resource Centres, Teen Entrepreneur Foundation has received an investment from the Shoprite Group to pilot the launch of a Business Kits Community in Langa. “The project will see us coming together with other organisations committed to the support and development of entrepreneurs and SME’s under the collective banner of Angels Resource Centres,” said Lydia Zingoni Founder and Director of SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation. “Our collective vision is to transform under-resourced communities by focussing on entrepreneurial activities that excite and encourage teenagers, women, unemployed youths and existing micro (survivalist) entrepreneurs,” she continued.
The Business Kits Community will deliver 4 key interventions: Business Start-Up Workshops, High School Teen Entrepreneur Societies, Idea Generation Workshops and Women in Business Networks.
The pilot is scheduled to go live on 01 October 2015 and will see the launch of a High School Entrepreneur Society at Ikamvalethu High School in Langa. The aim is to roll it out in all 6 high schools in Langa in the very near future.
The Shoprite group elected to become involved in the pilot with Angels Resource Centres as its vision corresponds with the retailer’s view that to encourage children to be entrepreneurs is a sustainable way to create more employment opportunities in the future.
“We look forward to growing the Angels Resource Centre partnership and the relationship with high schools through this venture,” said Lydia.
Individuals and corporates interested in getting involved in investing and launching a High School Society can contact Nadia Snyders at Teen Entrepreneur at nadia.snyders@teenentrepreneur.co.za or 021 447 6183.
