Cape Town, South Africa – The Silulo Foundation, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty Business Initiative and the University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, announced the launch of its groundbreaking entrepreneurship programme, aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with the skills and tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.
In his keynote address at the launch event, Mr. Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape, said, “it is critical that we foster entrepreneurship for expanding employment and earning opportunities and reducing poverty.”
The Silulo Foundation will fund fifty percent of the tuition fee for the entrepreneurship programme, which is a 10-month intervention aimed at people in townships and rural areas who want to start and run their own businesses. The programme’s first intake comprises 30 registered and enthusiastic students.
The overarching objectives of the programme are to leverage university and community resources to create new for-profit and non-profit ventures owned by those facing economic and other disadvantages and assist existing small business owners to become sustainable and grow. The Foundation, its partners, and mentors will work closely with those in adverse circumstances on the development of both the person as an entrepreneur and the business as a successful venture. Progress is measured and tracked based on the development and performance of entrepreneurs and their ventures, programme participation and entrepreneurial achievements of those facing adversity.
“The Silulo Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is an important step towards empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with the skills and tools they need to succeed. We are committed to providing support and resources to help these individuals reach their full potential and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams,” says Luvuyo Rani, founder of Silulo.