The ongoing unemployment crisis in our country is becoming increasingly severe, and given the current economic challenges, there appears to be little hope for improvement in the near future. One of the most effective ways to integrate people into the economic mainstream and enable them to not only survive but also thrive—thereby contributing to national growth—is by developing robust entrepreneurial skills.
It’s evident that businesses, whether small SMMEs or large corporations that may hesitate to hire permanent staff during these times, can still play a significant role by sharing their expertise and support for entrepreneurial training programs.
Fortunately, South Africa has several institutions dedicated to equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, but they require the backing of businesses to ensure that these programs lead to the formation of viable enterprises that contribute positively to the economy. So, what drives this need for business involvement, and what benefits do companies gain from supporting emerging entrepreneurs?
Meet the Experts
One institution making significant strides in uplifting entrepreneurs is the False Bay TVET College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI). The Center Manager, Ms. Nafeesa Dinie, who is well-versed in this field, shares valuable insights into the college’s objectives. She emphasizes the importance of shifting youth mindsets toward becoming business owners and forming partnerships with businesses to foster job creation.
Ms. Dinie passionately describes the program’s mission, stating, “Entrepreneurship is crucial for driving economic recovery, job creation, and socio-economic development in the country. At False Bay TVET College, we advocate for action-oriented entrepreneurship as a viable career choice, and the CfERI plays a key role in stimulating and promoting the growth of the SMME sector within the TVET space through non-credit, action-driven entrepreneurship programs.”
Business Involvement and Benefits
Businesses have multiple avenues to engage, each yielding distinct advantages.
As Students:
Some businesses may find value in participating in the program themselves to enhance their entrepreneurial skills. At the CfERI, the focus is on understanding the specifics of your operation, enabling them to offer tailored solutions and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
As Philanthropists:
Alternatively, businesses can support the program indirectly, contributing to meaningful change and impacting the lives of those seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
As Ms. Dinie notes:
“You have the chance to support a future generation of job creators and innovators. Without artisans and trade skills, our country cannot enhance its economic value or create the jobs needed, which negatively affects all businesses. This is a challenge that requires collective effort.”
As Potential Entrepreneurial Partners:
Businesses may also invest in the training of prospective candidates to build a workforce of entrepreneurially-minded employees or future business partners. The College strives to cultivate employees and entrepreneurs equipped with the skills necessary to transform both the economy and your business.
Imagine that an entrepreneur you mentor could open a branch of your business in an area where you lack local expertise, thereby creating new markets that were previously out of reach, particularly in townships where local business communities have shown resilience even in tough times.
Why Partner with the College?
You might wonder, “If our goal is to train potential employees or partners, why not do it ourselves?” Here are compelling reasons:
According to Dinie, TVET students have a quicker pathway to entrepreneurship due to a blended teaching approach that combines practical, theoretical, and experiential learning. This offers partners a faster and more substantial socio-economic return on their investment.
“Also, at FBC, we drive change,” she adds, “and we gauge our success based on the impact our programs have on students and their communities—our approach is rooted in human-centered development. At the CfERI, we focus on the entrepreneur, the business, and the community.”
This commitment is woven into the college’s strategic mandate from its governing council.
We don’t just talk about change; we actively implement diverse support and interventions to assist budding entrepreneurs along their development journey through collaboration with students, ecosystem partners, and local communities.
Benefits to the Community and Country
Ultimately, it’s not just about expanding and improving businesses but also about giving back to the community and contributing to the development of our country and its citizens. Dinie believes that the program’s core objective is “to create an inclusive environment for young entrepreneurs, fostering participation and diversity through innovative learning and co-creation opportunities for vocational and occupational skills.”
This initiative aims to pave the way for economic recovery and socio-economic transformation in marginalized communities. Key benefits of collaboration between businesses and the college include:
Increasing the number of youth-owned businesses.
Creating more job opportunities.
Contributing to the transformation of township and rural economies.
Providing youth with alternative career paths, including entrepreneurship.
Equipping young people with the essential 21st-century skills needed for the future.
Positively impacting socio-economic development.
Working to mitigate the social challenges stemming from high unemployment rates.
By enabling youth to launch their ventures, we reduce their likelihood of engaging in negative societal behaviors, concludes Dinie. Businesses can also benefit from expanding their networks, broadening their commercial landscape to include individuals who currently remain on the sidelines, unsure of how to enter the field.
Join Us at the College
Since its inception in 2015, the False Bay TVET College Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator has been recognized as a leader in fostering entrepreneurship within the TVET sector. The college also provides practical vocational training and technical skills development, equipping students with the knowledge needed for various trades and professions.
We prioritize hands-on training and practical skills in diverse fields such as engineering, construction, healthcare, business, hospitality, and information technology.
Our main goals include providing access to effective services for students through various delivery methods and fostering partnerships to prepare more students for the job market, further education, and entrepreneurial development.
If you believe in the necessity of businesses partnering with educational institutions to cultivate entrepreneurial skills, please reach out to us today. Together, we can build a better South Africa, achieve a greater impact, and create lasting, meaningful change. The False Bay College formula for high socio-economic impact is:
“Entrepreneurship Education EC2 = Empowerment, Collaboration & Community.”
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