Tholoana programme gets ball rolling
SAB Foundation's Tholoana Enterprise Programme kicked off its newly implemented programme last week in Polokwane, with 24 of the region's top entrepreneurs being invited to attend a two-day vision workshop.
POLOKWANE – SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme kicked off its newly implemented programme last week in Polokwane, with 24 of the region’s top entrepreneurs being invited to attend a two-day vision workshop. The programme empowers entrepreneurs through funding support, as well as an extensive two-year training and mentorship programme implemented and executed by Fetola. The programme is aimed at growing small black, rural, youth and female owned businesses in South Africa.
Fetola’s director, Catherine Wijnberg and her team were impressed with the calibre of businesses they engaged with at the workshop.
“We received almost 170 applications from Limpopo for only 15 places available on the programme, so having made it to this workshop is already a significant achievement for the 24 participants we invited to attend. The final selection of 15 participants will be very difficult to make due to the high calibre of businesses we met, and the entrepreneurs’ levels of dedication and involvement.”
The vision session was the first time that the SAB Foundation and Fetola representatives met with the hopeful Limpopo business applicants. Successful applicants will continue on with the two-year training and mentoring process and also be eligible for seed capital of up to R250 000 for their business growth and development.
Bridgit Evans, the manager of the SAB Foundation, was excited with the outcome of the workshop, and had the following to say:
“The workshop was very stimulating and the presenters were very knowledgeable and informative – Well done! The information gained will help the participants to relook their businesses and revise their vision and values.”
SAB Foundation’s programme coordinator, Mariska Henning, believed the workshop ended on a high note and had this to say:
“The level of talent and innovation from Limpopo business applicants is remarkable. The SAB Foundation is proud and honoured to be part of a process that grows South African businesses. We look forward to interacting with more bright entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State.”
