Search is on for young entrepreneurs
The programme provides young people with the opportunity to compete for a chance to operate and eventually own spaza shops.
Aspirant young business owners attended the Bizniz in a Box youth empowerment programme held in partnership with the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality at Oshabeni MPCC near Port Shepstone recently.
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The programme, a youth entrepreneurship initiative was launched by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) in 2015. It provides young people with the opportunity to compete for a chance to operate and eventually own spaza shops.
“The programme will train young entrepreneurs with key skills for running spazas from the ground up using scientific business methods, while at the same time creating more jobs for their communities,” said Akona Sishuba, enterprise development manager at CCBSA.
The young entrepreneurs are then allocated a fully stocked and equipped container from which to operate their spaza for two months. Once they have passed this period, they are placed into their preferred business structure.
Local businesswoman and speaker, Ivy Sikhahlane said youth business opportunities are plentiful, but the problem is that they, the youth, don’t want to grab the opportunities afforded to them.
“I am from Gamalakhe and received a container from Coca-Cola. I make bags, mats and earings from cardboard boxes and old newspapers. When I see an old newspaper, I see business and treasure. You, the youth do not want to make the most of the opportunities afforded to you. If you want to succeed and be a millionaire, you can achieve it,” said Mrs Skhahlane.
Another speaker Bayabulela Jolobe, an Enterpriseroom Implementation partner, said they are on a mission to help uplift rural and township businesses. He said they do not give out cash donations but offer loans.
“We will give you loans to sustain your business. You will also be given a business advisor. This is after you have completed four weeks of training. The reason we offer loans and do not give out monetary donations is you will use the money for a purpose, especially when you know you have to pay it back, unlike when you get something for free. My successful business people started small. It is all up to you to grab this opportunity,” he said.
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