Entrepreneur’s brew – Be a socially responsible business Part I

Pastor Welcome Thamsanqa Mlungisi Dlalisa:

Young entrepreneurs, black business, churches, public sector and other non-governmental organisations, in general, have a big role to play in our community. Every business survives from clients who are citizens and local residents in their respective communities. Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial success depend on the support revived from the community. Without the support of the community, no business can survive. In turn, the community has a range of needs which can only need reciprocal support from local business, local entrepreneurs, churches and the rest of the public and private sector organisations.

Our communities have youths who have a range of needs including orphans and vulnerable children who come from poverty stricken families, young people struggling with drugs, unemployed graduates, senior citizens who need soup kitchens and so on. Young people need skills, internship opportunities in view of high unemployment challenges. In addition, communities need facilities like play areas for kids, training and skills, sports and recreational facilities, career guidance through career expos and winter schools. These are but a few of the needs that are prevalent in all our communities. This is where the local entrepreneurs are called to come in. It is only fair to give back to the local communities and youths along the lines outlined above.

To this end, we often hear of corporate social investment and also a corporate social responsibility. So what’s the difference between CSI (Corporate Social Investment) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)? Do you know and have you considered how these two concepts impact on your business, its profitability, it’s brand, it’s image and general goodwill? The terms corporate citizenship, sustainable development and partnerships are bandied around and glibly used by business as a solution to fighting poverty and changing lives.

Here are the benefits of involving yourself in CSI or even CSR as an entrepreneur or as a business:

1. Build your brand and general goodwill:

Businesses that contribute to the community are looked at very positively. Their brand is far better than those that are not giving back. Every entrepreneur wants his or her company to carry a positive image in the community. They must understand that the image that people have of you and your business directly affects the bottom line. Indeed, you must carefully choose those programs that are strategic to the success and growth of your business.

2. Adds to your company bottom line:

As indicated above the more strategic your CSR or even CSI is, the better for you and your business. People tend to buy from the company that they trust. They also tend to support the products which they feel positive about and carry a positive perception in the minds of its local residents. In other words, the more people feel positive about your company, the better it is for your company.

3. Build a pipeline of skills for your business:

When you support and train young people in your area, this creates good skills pipeline for your business. This includes giving young people work opportunities, opportunities for internship and or leadership. The more businesses that support young people, the better for the community and also builds strong skills pipeline for those businesses.

4. Reduces crime levels in your community:

Businesses that support its local citizens contribute positively to crime levels. The more young people that are absorbed and trained, the less crime in the community. This means that more and more young people suffer idling and are engaged in more productive work.

JAM calls on all the businesses along Olifantsfontien, Tembisa, Kempton Park and surrounding areas to come close and give opportunities to the communities especially to the youth.

In order to help entrepreneurs of Tembisa to implement what we are learning via these articles, I have set up what I call the JOSEPH ACHIEVERS MENTORING (JAM) program. The program is based on Joseph in the Bible who rose to prominence despite his background. I am encouraging all Tembisa residents to join. This program is aimed at supporting all residents of Tembisa but it targets mainly young entrepreneurs, young professionals, university students and high school learners. It offers a range of support initiatives including career guidance, training and mentoring. Many have enrolled in the program and receive business management training and mentoring. I challenge you to enrol for JAM in order to propel your life or your business to new heights. To register on JAM, send an email to dlalisa.rhi@gmail.com or call the numbers below.

For more information, contact Pastor WTM Dlalisa on 083 395 1165