De Beers has launched its second Business Incubator near its Venetia Mine operation in Limpopo. The accelerated development programme aims to promote up-and-coming entrepreneurs as well as small, medium and micro-enterprises from mining communities.
De Beers Venetia Senior Corporate Affairs Officer, Tarryn Genis stated in a media release that the programme will be facilitated by the specialist mentoring and training company TrioPlus and will provide support to 40 enterprises or entrepreneurs from the Blouberg and Musina areas.
According to Genis, the programme kicked off last month with two workshops targeting existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Classroom training will run on a monthly basis and will cover topics such as market research, financial management and operational management that will ultimately contribute towards a bankable business plan.
“One-on-one sessions with entrepreneurs will assist mentors in evaluating their progress and provide meaningful coaching and support. Upon completion of the programme, the best and the brightest will be selected for the next phase of the programme which includes access to funding and further training and development,” the statement read.
Leading up to the launch event, Senior Commercial Manager Enterprise and Supplier Development for De Beers Consolidated Mines, Gregory Petersen is quoted to have said: “The mining sector has an important role to play in the socio-economic development of our region. By empowering and promoting small local business we hope to contribute towards economic growth and job creation.” He added that De Beers is excited that small local businesses now have the opportunity to participate in the diamond pipeline and that the mine has engaged in a number of localised drives and enterprise development initiatives to promote them.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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