Internship support for entrepreneurs
8 August 2013
Mining company Anglo American is offering South African entrepreneurs and owners
of established businesses the opportunity to receive business development support
and mentoring through its Entrepreneur Internship Programme.
"Providing great business opportunities to high potential entrepreneurs allows their
companies to become large-scale and meaningful enterprises, which creates new and
sustainable jobs," Anglo American South Africa's executive director, Khanyisile
Kweyama, said in a statement.
"Anglo American is pleased to launch the second Entrepreneur Internship Programme,
and we are confident that we will be able to replicate the success of the first EIP
and see more deserving business people reach their potential and make a positive
impact on the South African economy."
The EIP offers 10 months of business development support to start-up entrepreneurs
and 20 months of business growth support to established
businesses.
"Anglo American has a strategic role to play in promoting social and economic
development and is committed to supporting the national priority of job creation," the
company said.
Mentorship will be provided by the Aurik Business Incubator and will include
networking opportunities and skills training.
"South Africa has several promising entrepreneurs with so much promise, but many of
them do not have access to the skills, industry knowledge, business networks and
support they need to succeed," said Aurik chief executive officer, Pavlo Phitidis.
"By developing their core competencies, and offering support and advice, the EIP
provides entrepreneurs with a critical stepping stone to growing their own business
creating real and sustainable value for our local economy."
Aurik will provide mentorship to the entrepreneurs which will enable them to put
together a business plan to start their new company or expand an existing
one.
"The EIP is designed to help create sustainable businesses that can lead to
meaningful social and economic transformation," Anglo American said.
SAinfo reporter
