Nedbank commits R3.4m to enterprise development initiative with Fix Forward

Nedbank has committed R3.4-million to an enterprise development initiative with non-profit Fix Forward which aims to develop the entrepreneurial skills of 100 tradespeople in the greater Cape Town area and Gauteng.

The Cape Town-based non-profit, which was founded in 2012, matches skilled tradespeople from low income areas with construction and renovation projects from businesses and homeowners.

The funding will see the tradespeople, who are registered contractors within Fix Forward network, take part in a 12 month entrepreneur development programme. This programme will reportedly equip them with the skills and experience necessary to run their own businesses.

“We’re delighted with Nedbank’s support of our initiative to set talented, skilled and hard-working tradesmen on a path to building successful businesses,” Fix Forward CEO Joshua Cox said in a statement.

“We not only connect them with the market but also focus on giving them the know-how on how to run their own businesses, thus becoming self-sufficient.”

The funding will enable 100 tradespeople from the greater Cape Town and Gauteng area to participate in a 12 month entrepreneur development programme

Nirmala Reddy, Nedbank’s senior manager for enterprise development, commended the role played by Fix Forward in creating opportunities for hard working individuals who are marginalised as a result of lack of resources, business acumen and contracts.

“Fix Forward introduces the industry to competitively priced, competent tradesmen, and is giving back to equip these individuals in establishing businesses of their own. As a bank for small business, it’s an initiative that matches our desire to grow the economy and create jobs through our own innovative solutions aimed at helping small entrepreneurs,” said Reddy.

How it will work

Selected tradespeople meeting Fix Forward’s screening requirements are eligible to participate in the company’s year-long development programme.

The entrepreneur development programme will incorporate elearning, workshops and coaching. The content is industry specific and deals with various aspects of running a business from marketing, pricing to financial and project management.

Cox said programme’s participants also stand to benefit from development funding from Nedbank.

He also called on tradesmen to apply to join the network.

“The demand for our tradesmen continues to grow in tandem with Fix Forward’s reputation for excellent service and reliable workmanship. This means we have a real need for specialist tradesmen – particularly builders, carpenters & cabinet-makers, tilers & pavers, and plumbers – to make applications to join our network,” he concluded.

Featured image: Fix Forward via Twitter