A few months ago, Better Business Forum (BBF) started collaborating with Entrepreneurial Planning Institute (EPI) a non-profit company, which sets out to “empower entrepreneurs, invest in the impact of business support practitioners, build capacity for digital progression and promote social inclusion as key drivers for sustainable growth”.
Through EPI’s DigiBiz Africa platform, we launched Better Business Connection (BBC), a peer support platform aimed at “township” business support practitioners. The initial six-month programme is designed to ensure these practitioners are properly equipped to advise their clients by enrolling on a mini-MBA programme.
Thereafter, we hope that these practitioners will join BBC to share and support one another.
Whilst there is a fair degree of interest, the obstacle raised is that of practitioners funding the six-month programme. Even though we approached the opportunity with a reduced fee structure, the six-month commitment proved to be a bridge too far for most.
In the spirit of Mandela Day (18th July), we appeal to the BBF community for sponsors and donors.
Sponsors will support the full cost of a worthy candidate’s enrolment in the six-month programme at USD 67 (R 1 200) per month.
Donors will subsidise a worthy candidate’s enrolment in the programme at R 670 per month for six months. The candidate will pay the balance.
The BBF team will kick off the initiative with the full sponsorship of a deserving candidate.
In association with EPI, candidates will be screened for suitability and the programme will commence with an initial class of 12 practitioners.
All we ask at this time is for an indication of commitment as either a sponsor or a donor. We will keep sponsors and donors posted on how we progress in the screening of candidates and when the programme will kick off.
If you would like to participate or find out more about the programme, please contact Warwick at warwick@infodoor.co.za or on 082-554 3579.
We look forward to reporting the successful launch and progress of the programme in the months ahead.
