MBOMBELA – Do you have a business or a revolutionary idea that can add value to your community, but all you need is a shot at connecting with the right people to show that you are a game changer? Lowveld Big Change may be just the opportunity for you.
Also see: Lowveld Big Change event and competition
Mr Ettiene Pretorius explains they are looking to uncover extraordinary potential. It is not a competition, but a programme designed to bridge the gap between local established movers and shakers and the broader society.
“We believe that everyone, young and old, deserve to have the same exposure and we want to help them, by allowing them to create context in the business world, in entrepreneurship or being social influencers.
Pretorius graduated from Rob Ferreira High School in 2000 and has since achieved success as a social entrepreneur, real-estate developer and investor. He recently founded Lowveld Big Change.
It was inspired by Big Change UK, where he joined Sam Branson, son of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, and 60 other game changers all over the world at the 2015 Strive Challenge where R1,6 was raised in three days to support people, ideas and projects to drive and create a growth mindset.
Also see: Lowveld Big Change Facebook event
One person can make a huge impact on a community, and Lowveld Big Change is as much about inspiration as a transfer of knowledge. It works like this: a candidate will be identified by a panel and be afforded mentoring sessions with 26 business leaders from the Lowveld along with Pretorius, over the course of six months.
Each week the 10 most valuable lessons the candidate has gleaned from the mentor of the week will be published in Lowvelder, its sister publications and websites, along with feedback from the mentor. It will also be broadcast via interviews with the candidates on Radio Laeveld and Ligwalagwala FM. He or she will be required to do weekly blog entries on his or her development.
“By implementing this strategy we use this one individual’s voice to educate the community and help bridge the gap between the community and the business world,” Pretorius explains.
The would-be entrepreneur and broader community gain access to the business wisdom of the mentors, who are leaders in their respective fields. All entries will be evaluated on potential and not current turnover.
“It gives everyone access to the advice most people never get the opportunity to ask,” Pretorius says. “We want the entire Lowveld to start thinking differently.
“Changing your environment will change your thoughts and in return will not just grow your business, but will show you what the bigger picture by being a game changer.”
The successful candidate can earn the opportunity to travel to London on an all-expenses-paid trip to, among other things, meet Sam Branson. To give yourself this opportunity, register today. Entries close on September 30. The entry form for Lowveld Big Change is available here.
It costs R250 to enter. All entry fees will contribute to a fund for education-based initiatives in the Lowveld. Entrants have to be at least 21 years old.
Interested individuals are also encouraged to come hear it all straight from Pretorius himself during an information session at the Arena at Emnotweni on September 17. Attendance is free. It starts at 08:00.
Enquiries can be sent to info@sa-cp.com or visit Lowveld Big Change.
