Western Cape Government
The Western Cape Government understands that young entrepreneurs play an important role in promoting social change and driving innovation. New products and services created by entrepreneurs can cause a ripple effect and stimulate related businesses or sectors that need to support the new venture. That's why young entrepreneurs are important for stimulating economic growth.
The government understands that young entrepreneurs face certain challenges when they want to start their own businesses. Access to funding, education and training, better infrastructure, and networking opportunities are some of the challenges they can face. Therefore, different programmes have been put in place to remove unnecessary challenges and assist young entrepreneurs.
Programmes;
Jump - Digital Business Support Platform
The Western Cape Government, in partnership with Google and other stakeholders, has developed the JUMP mobile platform to enable entrepreneurs to better their business and access opportunities.
JUMP allows entrepreneurs and SMME’s to have:
- a free business listing on an interactive map;
- find digital applications, tools and online solutions;
- access to JumpCast, a podcast station with helpful content just for entrepreneurs;
- find and contact business support organisations;
- find mentorship; and access tender information and opportunities.
The Western Cape Government established the Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn in collaboration with the Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi) to enable, support, and grow the township tech ecosystem in the Western Cape. The Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn is South Africa's only township-based tech hub and offers community space that supports tech entrepreneurship, innovation and digital skills development within the Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain communities.
#GoDigital initiative provides valuable resources to help SMME’s adopt digital technologies and practices to grow and enter new markets. It's split into 3 initiatives:
Business Consultancy Services Voucher Programme (BCSVP)
The Business Consultancy Services Voucher Programme (BCSVP) is an NYDA programme that is designed to provide quality business development support to young entrepreneurs. The programme aims to enhance the young entrepreneur’s participation in the mainstream economy. Young entrepreneurs are able to receive one-on-one business development support from professional companies that have the relevant skills and experience that can assist young entrepreneurs in developing their businesses in areas such as marketing, bookkeeping and financial administration, and due diligence.