The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Intel South Africa have collaborated to equip young aspiring and established entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and motivation to enable business development and growth. This partnership will kick off with an entrepreneurship roadshow from 30 May to 27 June 2013 in Gauteng, Port Elizabeth, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
The first event will take place in Port Elizabeth on 30 May 2013 at the Feather Market Convention, young people who would like to attend should SMS their name to 071 535 4359.
According to Ntombezinhle Modiselle, Intel South Africa Marketing Manager, it is becoming increasingly necessary for all businesses, no matter their size, to better understand and utilise the available technology to better their business practices, enabling their businesses to flourish without having to invest in complicated IT solutions.
“The entrepreneurship roadshow will provide access to the latest Intel technology, including notebooks, Ultrabooks and tablets, to the entrepreneur and business owner, enabling them to gain insight into the ranges available on the market as well as how they can use the technology to enable further business growth and continued success,” says Modiselle.
Along with the informative style of this roadshow, the NYDA will be encouraging attendees to take advantage of its business support initiatives. Some of these initiatives include:
- The Business Consultancy Services Voucher Programme that offers young entrepreneurs access to business development support services such as business plan development, bookkeeping, marketing, website development and more for just R200.
- The free Volunteer Mentorship Programme that links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with established entrepreneurs.
- The free Business Opportunities Support Services, which links young entrepreneurs to emerging procurement opportunities in the private and public sector.
- The free Entrepreneurship Development Programme that offers entrepreneurship training at branches and communities.
“By visiting the country’s main hubs such as Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg during Youth Month, we aim to speak directly to 1250 first time entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses. Of course the right technology can make all the difference to business efficiency, which is why we will be showcasing some of Intel’s latest Ultrabook and Tablet devices that does just that,” says Modiselle.
NYDA Executive Chairperson, Yershen Pillay, says “the initiative will go a long way in creating an environment where young aspiring and established entrepreneurs can flourish. We hope that other private sector organisations will follow in the footsteps of Intel South Africa by prioritising youth development.
As a result of the enormity of the unemployment challenge and destructive effect it has on our society, the NYDA has always held the view that job creation should not be the responsibility of a single entity.”
According to Modiselle the initiative is now at pilot phase. “We are looking at making this an annual initiative that reaches young people in other provinces,” she concludes.
For details on the events and to RSVP please visit www.nyda.gov.za or www.intel.co.za.
For media enquires please contact:
Refilwe Mphane
National Youth Development Agency
Cell: 071 037 6559
Tel: 011 651 7175
Email: refilwe.mphane@nyda.gov.za
Fotini De Keizer
Intel South Africa
Cell: 071 301 0411
Tel: 011 563 4609
Email: fotini.de.keizer@intel.com
