The third intake of companies into the Small Business Enrichment Programme (SBEP) took place on Wednesday 15 March 2017 at the Soweto Campus of the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

SBEP provides skills to new and existing companies to grow and improve their business and operations. The programme is delivered by the UJ Centre for Small Business Development, within the Faculty of Management.

“We offer mentorship and training to companies, which include suppliers to the University,” said Ms Moipone Molotsi, Director of the Centre of Small Business Development.

“We teach business improvement skills and turnaround strategies that will generate growth in these companies, which in turn makes possible employment growth and economic growth in South Africa,” she added.

“Every year, about 250 to 300 company representatives and owners attend SBEP. Most of the individuals get to the programme after having a number of failed businesses. However, at the end of SBEP they come up with strong business models, better financial management and human resource systems,” said Molotsi.

Further benefits of the programme include improving business operations, growth, increased profits and building relationships with the right companies for supplier opportunities.

“This is a life-changing programme for individuals and companies. It brings about a transformation spiritually, financially and otherwise. It benefits different aspects of an individual and of a company,” said Molotsi.

SBEP was started in 2005, sponsored by a number of big companies. UJ’s Finance and Expenditure department started sponsoring and supporting the programme in 2015.

SBEP turnaround and success stories from the 2016 intake here.