The programme offers existing and prospective social entrepreneurs an experiential learning programme, facilitated by a panel of prominent coaches and business mentors. It is specifically intended to assist entrepreneurs in plotting sustainable pathways to employment creation, poverty alleviation and the promotion of health and welfare and environmental issues in society.
The FutureFit programme, which is conducted over a six month period, is offered to registered entrepreneurs who meet the qualifying criteria, at no cost. The aim is to ensure that the social entrepreneurs’ ventures become financially and economically sustainable, while achieving the objectives of social transformation.
FutureFit is the brainchild of Gary Graham, Managing Director of the 3i’s Group, who says that in addition to attracting a full panel of highly qualified advisors, coaches and mentors, the programme has already elicited much interest among entrepreneurs.
“27 social entrepreneurs have already registered for the first programme to be held in Johannesburg, while 26 have completed the pilot programme recently held in Cape Town” Graham says.
“They comprise a diverse group of people involved in a range of enterprises. All are looking for a catalyst for their innovation and creativity, and FutureFit aims to be that catalyst by creating the opportunity for these entrepreneurs to extend their reach and impact. It’s all about creating opportunities for possibilities,” he says. Graham says the growing momentum behind social entrepreneurship, both globally and in South Africa, is a result not only of overwhelming social problems, but a heightened sense of philanthropy borne of the need for purposeful contribution, fulfilment and meaning.
Heidie Ziervogel, Head of Banking at BoE Private Clients, says that FutureFit represents the company’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial skills that will make a difference to the greater good of the country and its people.
“As a consciously evolving business, BoE Private Clients seeks to create prosperity through people and partnerships. We believe that social entrepreneurship represents the natural progressive evolution of the classic business model, and we are delighted to be able to make a lasting positive contribution to progress in South Africa through our involvement in FutureFit,” she says.
Contact
For more information visit www.futurefit.co.za