Calling on aspiring entrepreneurs

Anglo American is calling on aspiring entrepreneurs in Alexandra and other areas with great ideas, and including owners of established businesses to send through their applications for its Entrepreneur Internship Programme.

The programme, unique in South Africa, offers early-stage entrepreneurs and established business owners, with business development support, industry exposure, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Anglo American is calling on applications from within the company and externally, including entrepreneurs who may have already submitted proposals to Anglo American’s enterprise development arm Zimele. Business owners and entrepreneurs who apply will undergo a selection process that includes an entrepreneurial aptitude assessment, one-on-one in-depth interviews, and a face-to-face panel interview.

Throughout the process, Aurik will provide mentorship to the entrepreneurs, which will enable them to put together a business plan to start their new company or expand an existing one. Zimele may after the necessary analysis provide additional funding for those businesses that meet the Anglo American Zimele criteria.

Business mentorship during the programme will be facilitated by coaches from Aurik Business Incubator, whose CEO, Pavlo Phitidis, believes that the programme offers a valuable opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs and smaller businesses who are keen to grow.

“South Africa has several promising entrepreneurs with so much promise, but many of them do not have access to the skills, industry knowledge, business networks and support they need to succeed. By developing their core competencies, and offering support and advice, the programme provides entrepreneurs with a critical stepping stone to growing their own business creating real and sustainable value for our local economy.”

Details: Pranill Ramchander 011-638-2592 or Hulisani Rasivhaga 011-638-4401.