Learn how to run your business

STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY: EIGHT-MONTH COURSE THAT INCLUDES MENTORING

The University of Stellenbosch Business School’s Small Business Academy (SBA) Development Programme will be available next year to help small-business owners learn how to grow and expand their existing businesses.

Presented in partnership with the Social Impact Division of Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Network and Distell, this post-matric programme hopes to make a difference to the lives and businesses of entrepreneurs in low-income communities.

The eight-month programme starts on Wednesday, 24 February.

Participants will complete modules in computer literacy, business essentials, marketing, financial management and business plan development and presentation.

Each participant will receive one-on-one mentoring from MBA candidates and other alumni of the Business School, who will provide support and guidance throughout the duration of the programme.

This will be complemented by practical workshops on topics such as gaining access to funding, business insurance and marketing through social media, with successful candidates set to graduate with a certificate from Stellenbosch University.

For Garnet Christians, an alumnus and director of Acu-Temp: “To effectively run a business, it is important to have as much knowledge as you can.

"Before I took part in the programme, I was mostly involved with the physical aspect of the business and lacked expertise with the administrative side of things.

“By completing the programme, I gained a better understanding of business.”

Andre Segals, another alumnus and master barber at Legends Barber and Academy, echoes these sentiments, saying: “I needed to upscale my knowledge about business operations and legislation.

“The programme also helped me learn how to better manage my finances and marketing and better understand who my potential and existing clients were.”

Eligible candidates must have a matric certificate and own an existing small business, which has been running for at least two years. The course costs R2 550.

For more information

visit www.usb.ac.za/sba or e-mail sba@usb.ac.za. Otherwise call the SBA on 084-514-2328.