The Awethu project has R5m for bold entrepreneurs [SPONSORED]

The Awethu Project is calling all young, ambitious and tenacious entrepreneurs who have an established innovative business with the potential for growth. The Awethu Project is offering the chance for such business owners to apply for up to R5-million in equity funding.

Co-founder and CEO of the Awethu Project, Yusuf Randera Rees, says, “We are looking for entrepreneurs with businesses that need to reach the next level. This is for those who are seeking financial and operational support to grow their business, without giving up control. The Awethu Project will partner with them.”

The Awethu Project is a progressive and innovative entrepreneurship development company that was started by Randera Rees, a Harvard and Oxford graduate from South Africa in 2009. Starting with a dream and a handful of volunteers, the Awethu Project has thrived, attracting thousands of applicants during its six year existence. The project has managed to attract world-class talent that would have never otherwise have seen the light of day.

Its latest campaign will see Awethu’s small business SME venture capital fund investing up to R5 million in high-potential entrepreneurs and businesses. “Not many incubators are willing to take early-stage risk, but Awethu is! We will not just give you a cheque and send you on your way, this is an opportunity for you to get operational support, providing you with a comprehensive finance back-office, admittance to the Awethu Academy for practical personal development, and access to our extensive business development networks,” says Randera Rees.

Awethu will also back-up the successful candidates with a support team of experts in everything including recruitment, BEE, labour law and marketing. “Awethu elects to invest in equity because we want to be partners, and want to help entrepreneurs grow – we believe this is the answer to our country’s unemployment problem. The basic idea is that we go into partnership with the business owners we work with.” Remarks Randera Rees. “We have the same incentive as the business owners to grow their businesses, and if we accomplish that we share in the rewards.”

Awethu is interested in entrepreneurs who have products that are in demand or offer excellent services, and can prove they have the ambition and tenacity to become world class. The cost of the investment is a negotiated equity stake which brings Awethu on board as the high impact partner you need. With over 100 successful entrepreneurs that have passed through Awethu’s doors, this venture capital fund has a proven track record of solid returns for investors, and high growth rates for entrepreneurs.

Thanks to funding from organisations like the Government’s Jobs Fund and Discovery, as well as support from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Awethu is offering a life-changing opportunity for entrepreneurs who have ambition and talent, but lack entrepreneurship training and funding.

Meet the criteria? Why wait – apply today. It takes no more than 30 days to process your application for the funding, get started at www.AwethuProject.co.za