It’s about helping small businesses grow
The SBA Development Programme has been presented in the Western Cape since 2013 and in the Eastern Cape since 2016. Participants become part of the USB SBA for nine months, after which they graduate with an NQF level 5 certificate from Stellenbosch University. The programme includes training, mentoring, workshops, and engaged learning with MBA and other students:
Training
The training is aligned with the competence level and needs of the small business owners. The subjects covered are business essentials, marketing, financial management, computer training, and business plan development, writing and presentation. In the Western Cape, training takes place at the USB campus in the Tyger Valley business district in Bellville. In the Eastern Cape, training takes place in Aliwal North.
Mentoring
The mentorship part of the programme is provided by volunteers from the USB alumni body. Each mentor goes through a training and selection process specifically designed for the SBA programme before being matched up with an SBA participant.
Workshops
Practical workshops form part of the curriculum. Participants are required to attend a minimum of two of these workshops. Workshops are offered by role models and other experts such as corporate volunteers.
Engaged learning
The SBA participants are involved in engaged learning with MBA and other students. This is how it works: MBA, MPhil in Development Finance, MPhil in Management Coaching and visiting international students have the option of doing case studies or research assignments on the businesses of SBA participants. These students can, among others, assist the SBA participants with practical needs such as the building of websites, marketing plans and financial systems.
General admission requirements
The SBA Development Programme is open to individual small-business owners who reside and operate their businesses in and from low-income areas. Admission requirements include the following:
- The applicant must be the full-time owner of a business that has been operating full-time for at least 24 months prior to application.
- The business must employ no more than 15 people and must have a maximum annual turnover of R1.5 million.
- Applicants must be 23 years or older.
- Applicants must have a Grade 12 school-leaving certificate (matric qualification).
- Applicants may not have participated in similar programmes over the past three years.
- Applicants must be proficient in English.
Application form: Western Cape
Click here for all the application information (Annexure A)
Click here for the application form.
Application form: Eastern Cape
Click here for all the application information (Annexure A)
Click here for the application form.
Enquiries
For enquiries on the USB SBA Development Programme for small business owners, please contact:
- Benji Matshoba (Western Cape) on 021 918 4379 | 073 807 8261 | [email protected]
- Mzukisi Peter (Eastern Cape) on 051 633 2335| 083 715 4891 | [email protected]
Contact Us
Email Address
Email: [email protected]
Telephone Number
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4483
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