As part of Anglo American’s commitment to job creation in South Africa, the introduction of its second Entrepreneur Internship Programme (EIP) will see aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established business owners hone their skills in a period of 12 to 18 months, in order to create high-impact, sustainable businesses that will offer employment opportunities to the people in their communities.
As part of Anglo American’s commitment to job creation in South Africa, the introduction of its second Entrepreneur Internship Programme (EIP) will see aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established business owners hone their skills in a period of 12 to 18 months, in order to create high-impact, sustainable businesses that will offer employment opportunities to the people in their communities.
EIP is an enhanced growth experience for early-stage entrepreneurs and business owners who have the capacity to start or grow existing businesses, maximising employment size and revenues. The Programme, was conceptualised in the company’s Supply Chain department in collaboration with Aurik Business Incubator, combines business development support with industry exposure, mentoring and networking. Together these components can help individuals bring their ideas to market, or grow their existing business to the next level. Entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to be incorporated into Anglo American’s supply chain.
The Programme is supported by Anglo American’s enterprise development arm Zimele, who has funded EIP through its newly launched Sebenza Fund. The Sebenza Fund is a public-private partnership between Zimele and the Development Bank of Southern Africa focussed on creating over 8,000 jobs in the next three years.
“Our Entrepreneur Internship Programme aims to be a catalyst for high-potential entrepreneurs who are interested in developing or growing a business by providing structured mentorship and support. This initiative has previously seen very impressive results and we are confident that the second iteration of the programme will yield even more sustainable businesses and jobs than last year,” says Khanyisile Kweyama, executive director of Anglo American South Africa.
Anglo American understands it has a strategic role to play in promoting social and economic development and is committed to supporting the national priority of job creation. The EIP is designed to help create sustainable businesses that can lead to meaningful social and economic transformation.