Entrepreneurs may be wondering how to stay relevant to their customers and how to prepare for a post‑crisis world that might look very different to what we are used to. Having to pivot as an entrepreneur could be stressful, but it could also be a time of innovation and growth. With this in mind the North-West University (NWU) is working hard to continue to make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs.
The annual Enterprising Women Programme is an example of this. This year marks the eight rendition of the impactful entrepreneurship programme offered by the NWU’s bhive Enterprise Development Centre (bhive EDC), and despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the programme aims to continue to empower women across the university’s geographical footprint.
Adopting a new multi-modal approach
According to Leonie Greyling, senior enterprise development manager, a revised model for offering the programme has been developed and henceforth a multi-modal approach will be adopted. She explains that a strong digitised component will be incorporated and, although the curriculum will remain largely unchanged, workshop content will be shared on an online platform, whilst contact sessions will be reserved for participant presentations and networking sessions. It is anticipated that the 2020 rounds of the programme – in the Vanderbijlpark, Mahikeng and Potchefstroom – will run concurrently from June to October.
How can I gear-up for a new future?
This short learning programme is tailor-made for female small business owners and aspirant entrepreneurs who need support in navigating the current challenging economic conditions. The following conditions apply:
- Participants should be willing to commit to a multi-model business development programme, with online learning and contact sessions
- Be in possession of a Matric qualification
- Must have a good command of the English language
- Be computer literate with access to the internet, email and WhatsApp.
A programme participation fee of R1 500 is payable upon selection, by 15 June 2020.
How to enter
To enter, participants are required to submit a business pitch video of no longer than 2 minutes. The video clip should incorporate the following:
- Name and surname
- If you already have a business, the period of operation
- The problem you aim to solve through your product of service
- Your solution to the suggested problem (your value proposition)
- The opportunity (the gap which you see in the market)
- Your unique selling proposition (what is different about your product or service)
- What you expect to gain from the programme.
The video should be uploaded online, using the following link:
https://nwu.padlet.org/leonie_greyling/n58vv2zt6k4o
The deadline for submission is 17 May at 12:00
