A web-based, mentorship portal connecting established companies and professionals, across industries, with fully black owned SMMEs in order to develop working mentor/mentee relationships has been launched.
GROW is the latest addition to the Shanduka Blackpages (SBP) enterprise and supplier development portal that links supply chain managers with 100% black owned companies.
Promoting mutually beneficial relationships
Mark Frankel, CEO of Shanduka Black Umbrellas, said: “SBP is a way for companies who wish to bring 100% black owned businesses into their supply chains, while providing opportunities for members to develop themselves through online training, access to funding and other support services.
“The aim is to connect our members (black owned companies) that require mentorship in various fields, with mentors who have the skills, experience and time to support them.”
According to Frankel, the GROW platform meets all the supplier development requirements set out in the new BEE Codes, which require all businesses with an annual turnover of more than R10 million to develop black owned companies within their supply chain.
The platform enables mentees and mentors to explore possible working relationships via an online invitation that may be accepted or declined.
All necessary contractual documents are provided online and accepted on commencement of the relationship.