A group of 51 entrepreneurs who were unsuccessful in the first youth entrepreneurial challenge will have another chance to improve their business skills by receiving extra training and support from the City and other partners.
To this end, the Youth Development Programme, together with the Economic Development Department and False Bay College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, recently hosted a youth entrepreneurship business support workshop, a follow-up to the youth entrepreneurs who entered the #YouthStartCT Entrepreneurial Challenge but did not make the shortlist.
The competition encouraged young people to pitch their business ideas for a chance to take part in the challenge.
The response to the competition was overwhelming and while the winners have been announced, the City committed itself to continue providing support and guidance to future entrepreneurs to help them to grow their businesses.
“As a City, we are constantly looking at ways to reduce the unemployment rate and create jobs. Through this challenge we found that there are many young people with great ideas, however, they lacked the necessary skills to develop their ideas into a viable businesses.
“Instead of leaving them to their own devices, we have partnered with various organisations and departments to ensure that these youth get a chance to broaden their knowledge and turn those ideas into successful businesses. We want to encourage all would-be entrepreneurs to capitalise on this opportunity and use these skills to create jobs for their communities,’ said Mayco member for social development and early childhood development, Suzette Little.
Youth taking part in the support programme are from all over the city, including Kuils River and Kraaifontein.
“By hosting these workshops we are creating employment opportunities which will allow youth to kick-start their own businesses and pitch their ideas to potential business owners. It will also help to address youth unemployment and create various business opportunities,” said Ms Little.
