Eighteen young entrepreneurs today graduated from the Dimension Data Enterprise Development Incubator Programme at an event held at the Dimension Data offices in Durban.
The Enterprise Development incubation 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 business.
The programme is currently running in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. It runs for a period of 10 months and consists of a mix of intense practical training.
“The entrepreneurial programme addresses common business challenges faced by emerging entrepreneurs including Dimension Data’s sub-contractors and suppliers,” says Zellah Fuphe, MEA group strategic relations executive, Dimension Data Middle East and Africa.
“The main objective is to accelerate the development of small businesses to achieve sustainability, which in turn creates jobs and contributes to economic growth. Additionally it strengthens Dimension Data’s ability to reach a wider network of clients.”
The 18 young black ICT entrepreneurs who graduated today have businesses that have been in operation for two years or more and are delivering different ICT related services to diverse clients in KwaZulu-Natal.
These entrepreneurs were provided with MICT SETA accredited training. 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 (SMME) Incubator Programme was launched in 2009 and supported 23 companies in Cape Town and seven in Gauteng during its inaugural year. The programme has grown over the year and has 80 participants in the current year.