Call for Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs to Participate in The CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme
The CSIR is inviting aspiring young entrepreneurs to participate in its Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Whether you have a business idea or have started a business in the past 12 months, plan to launch a new venture or aim to turn your hobby into a business, apply now to be considered for the CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
The CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme will support young entrepreneurs as follows:
- It follows a structured process to assist entrepreneurs systematically develop viable business plans, with an opportunity to present to potential funders in the first quarter of 2024; • You will have the support of an experienced programme facilitator and a mentor;
- You will attend training sessions focusing on key entrepreneurship development areas, including understanding your market, how your solution meets its needs, developing a successful business model and managing finances and projections;
- You will receive mentorship to address key areas of your business; and
- The programme will conclude with a dry run to refine your pitch, followed by a presentation to a panel, which will include IDC and CSIR representatives who will assess your pitch and funding readiness.
Click here to apply.
Business considered
New ventures and businesses will be drawn from various industry sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, cosmetics and medicinal products, among others. The legal registration status of each business can fall into one of the following categories:
- Private companies (Pty Ltd);
- Co-operatives;
- Not-for-profit companies, particularly social enterprises; and
- Unregistered businesses, also known as nascent entrepreneurs or nascent venture creators, who will receive support to formalise their businesses as part of the programme.
Applicants must meet the following requirements
- Commitment and availability to attend at least 70% of all programme and mentorship sessions;
- A demonstrated desire to solve local economic development problems or a passion to pursue an opportunity they have already explored;
- Literacy and numeracy at NQF Level 5 (equivalent to Matric) are recommended;
- Proficiency in English and at least one other official South African language;
- Residency in one of the three provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape;
- Basic computer literacy, as participants will use basic computer applications; and
- Access to a computer/device with an internet connection to attend sessions as per the programme schedule.