Another 25 entrepreneurs join The Hope Factory’s entrepreneur support programme, as the second round of the Johannesburg chapter gets underway.
“We are delighted to welcome another 25 entrepreneurs onto our programme, “says Annie McWalter, CEO of The Hope Factory. “We will be walking a journey with them for the next four years as we help them to grow and develop their individual businesses.”
Entrepreneurship skills can be learnt
According to McWalter, becoming a successful entrepreneur is not an easy and straightforward process.
However, she believes that the process can be learnt, as long as the individual possesses some key characteristics including perseverance, problem solving ability, an inner locus of control and a real desire to be an entrepreneur.
Mentorship key to success
She says, “Mentorship is another key element to becoming a successful entrepreneur – having someone with wisdom, knowledge and experience to consult when you need advice or assistance.
“Research has shown that 16 out of 20 entrepreneurs who have mentors working alongside them survive long term, versus only 9 out of 20 who don’t have a mentor.”
Who qualifies for the programme?
The programme is open to full time black business owners, running a registered business, with a company turnover between R250 000 and R5-million per year. It is fully sponsored through the enterprise development contributions made by The Hope Factory’s numerous investor companies within South Africa.
Entrepreneurs who qualified and were accepted onto the programme will receive support services including:
- One on one business mentoring from a dedicated full time Hope Factory Business mentor
- Capital investment opportunities
- Professional business workshops
- Specialist training and industry exposure
- Access to new market opportunities.