The North-West University (NWU), through its bhive Enterprise Development Centre (bhive EDC), has taken a significant step in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem by introducing the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) programme. As one of only four South African universities to adopt this innovative initiative, the NWU aims to fulfil its strategic plan and mandate by equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurial careers.

The STEP programme, which comprises 13 weekly sessions through an interdisciplinary approach covering business administration, entrepreneurship and psychology, is available to all NWU students, regardless of faculty. The programme also extends to training and supporting community entrepreneurs as part of the NWU’s community engagement initiatives.

Student teams are guided through the entire entrepreneurial process, from preparing and launching to managing a business. This hands-on approach not only allows students to create jobs for themselves, but also benefits the local community.

A standout feature of the programme is its ability to empower students to take charge of their professional futures. By fostering proactivity and independence, the programme helps students navigate challenging job market conditions and combats youth unemployment.

The STEP programme exemplifies community impact and inclusive, sustainable development through its four core principles:

1. Action-oriented learning: Students engage in the start-up process of a real micro business, experiencing the entrepreneurial journey from start to finish.
2. Evidence-based approach: The programme content is grounded in entrepreneurial success factors and action-regulation theory, derived from extensive experience in training and research in countries facing adverse job market conditions and high youth unemployment.
3. Rigorous evaluation: STEP is assessed according to the highest scientific standards, demonstrating positive short- and long-term effects. Research shows that the programme enhances students' entrepreneurial intentions, confidence, skills, knowledge and action planning.
4. Local adaptation: The content, which was developed in collaboration with scholars from Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Makerere University Business School, Uganda Christian University, and Kyambogo University in Uganda, is tailored to the local context.

The success of STEP has been recognised internationally, as it recently secured second place in the Going BEYOND Awards, a joined initiative between the Global Business School Network and the European Foundation for Management Development. This accolade celebrates programmes that has a positive societal impact beyond traditional degree offerings and academic research.

Following the success of the first NWU STEP Train-the-Trainer programme in February 2024, a second session was held in June 2024. To date, this initiative certified 14 NWU staff members, six Enactus/SWEEP students, two local community members, and two staff members from the Vaal University of Technology as STEP trainers. Additionally, Dr Leonie Greyling and Dr Johann Landsberg from the bhive Enterprise Development Centre achieved STEP Master Trainer certification, a notable accomplishment given that only two other South African master trainers had been certified to date.

Currently, the first round of STEP for NWU student entrepreneurs is underway, with more than 100 students participating across the university's three campuses. This marks a significant milestone for the NWU, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering economic growth within the community.

For more information about the STEP programme and its impact, please visit the STEP website.

One of the groups who have successfully completed the NWU STEP Train-the-Trainer programme.