Entrepreneurial Development Project completed in South Africa

Dysfunctional documentation processes in South Africa have resulted in a large number of asylum seekers either unable to establish legal status, or having to renew documents every 1-4 months; this negatively impacts their ability to access job opportunities, further education, or skills training. In addition, the few skills training courses available to asylum seekers are heavily oversubscribed. This project aims to assist migrants to create dignified and sustainable pathways to financial independence. In the pilot project,  nine participants were equipped with tools and information on starting small income generating businesses. To date the first two steps of the project: training and start-up fund disbursement, have taken place. Ongoing monitoring and coaching are scheduled over the next six months, culminating in programme analysis to inform programmic development.

1.      Aim of the programme: to strengthen entrepreneurial and business skills and facillitate business start-ups to enable vulnerable migrants living in Cape Town to generate incomes and attain financial independence.

2.      Objectives of the project:

a.      Utilise interactive exercises, and peer-learning opportunities at grass root level, to transfer knowledge and business skills to identify and select business plans , and successfully manage a business venture

b.      Develop ability to create a business plan based on entrepreneurial competencies, market analysis, available resources, and business principles

c.       Provide requisite coaching and mentoring to support beneficiary in developing a profit-making business