This 12-month programme is opened to people aged between 18 and 34. They must either own a business for two years or less or have two years’ experience in any field and now want to start their own business based on their field of expertise.
The Security and Safety Sector Education Training Authority (Saseta) has partnered with Lisa Illingworth of Future Proof, a youth business development training company, who has in turn partnered with Richard Francis and Naomi Schauer of C.O.N.E.C.K.T., a social investment company, to roll out a countrywide 12-month entrepreneurial programme that consists of two weeks of training and then monthly individual coaching and mentoring sessions for all successful applicants.
Some of the members of the community who were recently absorbed into the program.
According to Francis, priority will be given to those who want to serve their community. A total of 30 slots will be allocated to charities/NPOs, community policing forums and security guards.
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“The programme seeks to reach out to rural areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape with individuals in Gauteng only being allocated eight slots. The training centre for Mpumalanga is in Middelburg. The mentoring and coaching will take place online, which gives successful applicants the opportunity to participate while continuing to work, study or run their business. The course is accredited using SAQA unit standard 49648 AKA New Venture Creation NQF level 2,” explained Francis.
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“Please note that this is not a job or internship, but rather a training/coaching and mentoring programme, so there is no salary or stipend, nor are there travelling or data costs, but the actual programme is free to successful participants,” he added.
C.O.N.E.C.K.T. is a social investment company that assists clients who are less fortunate and charities to move from surviving to thriving, by conducting business with kindness through creating income streams that are entrepreneurial in nature, rather than clients relying on donations.
Should you wish to participate, email Francis at richard@coneckt.org.
