The Hope Factory business programme seeks Top 50 SA entrepreneurs

South Africa-based incubator, The Hope Factory, has opened applications for small businesses for its fourth mentorship programme intake. Based in Johannesburg, the Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme is currently looking for 50 entrepreneurs to help small businesses become more sustainable.

“At The Hope Factory, we place great value on mentorship as part of all our programmes. We believe that if we can help to grow the individual business owner, or entrepreneur, then the business will be more likely to grow and remain sustainable,” says Sean Krige, Johannesburg Programme Manager.

On joining the Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, each business owner will be assigned their own dedicated business mentor, who will assist them with hands-on business development. Business owners are afforded an opportunity to attend workshops that teach specific business management principles, including topics such as financial management, effective marketing, branding, public relations, costing as well budgeting and supplier development opportunities.

Apart from skills development, businesses will also receive operational investment opportunities, as well as networking opportunities through The Hope Factory’s events and expos, access to markets relevant to their businesses, specialist training and exposure to their industries.

To be eligible for The Hope Factory Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, businesses need to be:

• Registered business operating as a current going concern, and operational for at least one year.
• More than 50% black owned (as per the B-BBEE Codes).
• Have an annual turnover between R250,000 and R10-million (with annual returns up to date).
• Operating in Gauteng.
• The entrepreneur must also be fully employed in the business.

For more information, click here or download the application form here. Applications close 29 August 2014 so get to it!