Inkunzi isematholeni youth in business development training
To date, a total of 300 youths have benefitted from the Business Training programme.
Ithala Bank’s innovative project, Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business Programme, kicked off in Umdoni recently.
The programme is aimed at encouraging the youth of KwaZulu-Natal to take the reins and tackle the concept of self-employment, instead of simply attempting to become a part of the formal employment realm. Improving employment opportunities for young people requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
While government is primarily responsible for creating an enabling environment for youth employment, employers as major providers of jobs have an important role in the process.
Youth in KwaZulu-Natal are set to benefit from the annual Business Programme being rolled out during Youth Month, with Endumeni and Uphongolo Municipalities having been visited recently.
To date, a total of 300 youths have benefitted from the Business Training programme.
Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business programme is both a business development initiative as well as a business competition for youth entrepreneurs in the province.
The initiative will see a number of youths aged between 18 and 35 living in rural and urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal take part in the programme.
“Day one in Umdoni included business development training – the business development element of the intervention seeks to provide business information and guidance to participants on how to start your own business, business plan development, access to finance, and business pitching techniques for funding. Day 2: Business Pitching Session – After the business development exercise those that have excelled in the business development programme and have presented viable businesses and plans will be chosen as the overall winners for the competition. A total of four regional winners will be nominated in each of the participating regions and will each receive business start-up funding to the value of R100 000,” said the organisers.
IDFC Group Chief Executive, Pearl Bengu, said: “Ithala Development Finance Corporation’s (IDFC) legacy is grounded on the premise that we are the bridge to a better life. We see opportunities for people where others see risks. In our quest to transform people’s dreams into reality we believe in walking with you through every stage of development. We understand that sometimes in life, your success is dependent on that one person giving you the break you need.”
She added that while the economic downturn had ramifications for the job sector, there were also entrepreneurial possibilities for the youth to consider outside the formal working environment and hence, they needed to be inspired in this direction.
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