Branson centre empowers Liberian entrepreneurs
The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, South Africa hosted entrepreneurs from Liberia for the first time.
The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship further entrenched its role as a leader in empowering entrepreneurs when the centre hosted Liberian business people.
The centre, a division of Virgin Unite, provided a foundation course for 15 business owners from the West Africa country.
According to Lauren Winchester, a media officer at branding company The Red Phone, this was the first time the centre offered this course to business owners from other countries.
“[The] entrepreneurs are taught the art and science of breaking the rules to capture the imagination of customers and investors alike,” she said.
Winchester added that the Liberian entrepreneurs were also given a chance to engage with their South African counterparts who have also been trained by the centre.
“Although Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world, its entrepreneurs are finding solutions that have the capacity to grow the economy and improve peoples’ lives in the future,” she explained.
The course also featured practical tips and insight from esteemed businessman and founder of the Virgin Group of Companies, Sir Richard Branson. Other featured speakers included Paul Smith, Clive Butkow and Tracey Webster.
The 15 entrepreneurs are set to return for an advanced course in a few months, which will be more practical and advanced.
Jane Rankin, chief executive officer of the centre, added that during this second course the entrepreneurs would have the chance to implement their business plans.
“Once everything is in place, we give them the tools they need to take their businesses to the next level,” Rankin said.
The centre was launched in Johannesburg in 2005 and its primary aim is to help entrepreneurs become innovative business leaders who create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The centre provided training for the course while funding was provided by Humanity United.
Humanity United is an American non-governmental organisation focused on overcoming the legacy of conflict and slavery in Liberia and Sudan.
