Entrepreneurs to apply for incubation programme
JOBURG - Growthpoint Properties, a JSE-listed property company, is inviting applications from entrepreneurs working in the property industry to join its business incubation programme through its initiative, Property Point.
The programme seeks motivated individuals running small to medium-sized businesses which specialise in fields such as electrical work, hygiene services, plumbing, landscaping, pest control, air-conditioning, fire protection services, security, waterproofing and painting.
Shawn Theunissen, head of Property Point and head of corporate social responsibility for Growthpoint Properties said, “To date, 96 businesses have participated in Property Point’s two-year programme, enabling them to generate over R398 million in procurement opportunities, with a reported revenue growth of 54.5 percent.”
The incubation programme has also made significant strides in enterprise and supplier development through the creation of over 1 141 jobs, while empowering 2 500 people with best business practices.
Theunissen added that Property Point is particularly keen to include more black women-owned businesses in its programme, which is proving to be a challenge in the traditionally male-dominated property industry.
Theunissen said Property Point has been a catalyst for successful enterprise and supplier development within the South African property industry since 2008, and it has grown to collaborate with partners across the property industry to drive enterprise development forward for the sectors.
Applications for this programme closes on 15 October. To be considered, entrepreneurs need to be based in Johannesburg and their businesses should at least be 51 percent black-owned (as per the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003), have operated for at least two years and offer services needed in the property industry. They must also be able to provide references and prior contracts of work, and prove that their business has the potential to grow and become a success. They may not currently be on another incubation programme.
Details: Property Point incubation programme applications can be downloaded from www.propertypoint.org.za; business details can be e-mailed to info@propertypoint.org.za.
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