Assisting entrepreneurs through transformation
Township entrepreneurs are empowered during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
On November 15 Experian teamed up with Rhiza Babuyile and Township Fleva to assist entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into thriving businesses as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week held November 12-18.
Social innovation leader at Experian Simon Rudman said the organisations are responsible for supporting township communities.
“The annual Tshogo event is the culmination of roadshows in Gauteng’s populated townships, such as Diepsloot and Orange Farm.
“These involved up-and-coming start-ups pitch their business ideas to a panel of experienced judges,” said Rudman.
He said 20 winners received funding to the combined value of R280 000 to kickstart their business venture, while other entrepreneurs received marketing packages to equip their ventures further.
“Throughout the competition, we were greatly inspired by each and every one of the entrants. There is definitely no scarcity of bright ideas,” said Rudman.
“By keeping our entrepreneurs top of mind and providing continuing support, we can grow the township economy for the greater good of the country.”
He added that Experian is pleased to support Rhiza Babuyile, by providing the JoZi Business Hub participants with career counselling as well as credit and financial education aimed at empowering and equipping entrepreneurs with the financial know-how to manage and grow their business and make smart credit decisions.
“We believe data has the power to transform lives and societies for the better and our corporate social responsibility programmes pioneer how we use our business skills, products and services to promote financial education, financial inclusion and support small business entrepreneurs.
“These engagements also provide a great opportunity for us to include the entrepreneurs in our solution development process. Their feedback is invaluable in helping to shape products which will hopefully contribute to their success,” added Rudman.
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of innovators and job creators who launch start-ups that bring ideas to live and drive economic growth. The JoZI Business Hub’s Tshogo roadshow could not be a better example of this.
