Johannesburg-based entrepreneurs now have access to hands-on mentorship in the form of The Hope Factory’s 2013 support programme.
Previously restricted to entrepreneurs based in Port Elizabeth and surrounds, The Hope Factory has launched its Entrepreneur Support Programme in Johannesburg. Thirty black entrepreneurs have been selected to take part in the 2013 programme.
Less than 3% of businesses succeed
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, only 2,3% of SA businesses survive past three-and-a-half years. One of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face, according to Annie McWalter, deputy CEO of The Hope Factory, is the daily loneliness involved in running their businesses.
“What entrepreneurs need is a mentor with whom they can discuss ideas and who can guide them. This is the rationale behind this mentorship programme, which is aimed at entrepreneurs wanting to take their business to the next level.”
Mentorship and education key
Entrepreneurs receive one-on-one mentoring and are exposed to a range of experiences, including financial mentorship, capital investment opportunities, networking, workshops, specialist training, industry exposure and access to market opportunities.
The Hope Factory is an enterprise development organisation of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and bank sponsor Mercantile Bank.