Fifteen young entrepreneurs graduated today from the Dimension Data Enterprise Development Incubator Programme at an event held at Dimension Data offices, in Durban. The Enterprise Development Incubator Programme was developed to promote entrepreneurial skills and to broaden the supplier base in the ICT industry. It is targeted at Dimension Data's current service providers and black South African entrepreneurs who are running their own ICT businesses, and is currently based in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The programme runs for a period of 12 months and consists of a mix of intense practical training and coaching.
"The entrepreneurial programme addresses common business management challenges faced by emerging entrepreneurs, including Dimension Data's sub-contractors and suppliers. They are provided with training and mentorship to help grow their businesses, and contribute to business continuity, sustainability and success," said Zandile Mbele, Executive Director - Transformation at Dimension Data, Middle East and Africa.
The 15 young black ICT entrepreneurs who graduated today were with existing businesses that have been in operation for two years or longer and are delivering different ICT-related services to diverse clients in KwaZulu-Natal. The young entrepreneurs were provided with accredited entrepreneurship development training, as well as coaching and mentoring by some of the leading figures in the ICT industry. They also received training in health, safety, environment, marketing and quality management systems, as well as training in all matters relating to running a successful business - from financial and accounting management, to administration and legal compliance.
The Enterprise Development Incubator Programme was launched in 2009 and assisted 23 companies in Cape Town and seven in Gauteng in its first year. The programme was later rolled out to KwaZulu-Natal, in 2012, in partnership with Africa Vukani, a specialist in small business development in the province.
"The ICT entrepreneurs are empowered with business management skills and are provided with laptops, the necessary software and data connectivity for 24 months to ensure easy, effective communications with their clients," says Mbele.
The event was held at the Dimension Data, KwaZulu-Natal, offices and was attended by representatives from private sector and government, including Fikiswa Pupuma, General Manager of Sector Development at the Department of Economics and Development in KwaZulu-Natal, and Praneesh Maharaj, Executive Director of Southern Africa Shipyards.
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