Small Business Academy Stellenbosch applications open

The University of Stellenbosch Business School’s Small Business Academy (SBA) Development Programme will be available for the first time to small business owners in Stellenbosch next year. 

The SBA Development Programme aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to build and grow their businesses

Hosted in partnership with the Social Impact Division of Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Network, and Distell, the programme is targeted at empowering entrepreneurs from low-income communities and businesses in Stellenbosch. 

The programme

The programme will take place over nine months, beginning on 24 February 2021. 

Participants in the programme will complete modules in the following: 

• Computer Literacy 
• Business Essentials 
• Marketing 
• Financial Management 
• Business Plan Development and presentation 

In addition, each participant will receive one-on-one mentoring from various MBA candidates and alumni of the Business School, who will provide continuous guidance and support throughout the programme. 

In the last phase of the programme a series of workshops will be held for participants. These workshops will focus on a range of topics such as, how to gain access to funding, marketing through social media, business insurance, and more. 

Successful graduates of the programme will receive an official completion certificate from Stellenbosch University. 

Garnet Christians, an alumnus of the SBA Programme and Director of Acu-Temp, explains that the programme provides essential skills to participants. 

“To effectively run a business, it is important to have as much knowledge as you can. Before I took part in the Programme, I was mostly involved with the physical aspect of the business and lacked expertise with the administrative side of things, such as how to finance, run and market my business operations. By completing the programme, I gained a better understanding of the overall business.”

Requirements 

Applications for the programme are currently open and close on 29 January 2021. 

All applicants must complete this form. The full cost of the course is R2 550 per person. 

Here are the requirements for enrolling in the programme: 

• Applicants must have completed matric 
• Own an existing small business 
• The small business must have been operational for at least two years 

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Featured image: You X Ventures via Unsplash