The Branson School of Entrepreneurship
- Dec 15, 2008
Following up on recent posts about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, I think it's interesting to also consider how entrepreneurs can have a positive impact on wider society, especially in places like South Africa where they are identifying gaps, providing critical new services and creating jobs. In fact, it's been reported* that the country's economic growth is actually under threat because of a shortage of new entrepreneurs.
In light of this, Virgin Unite has partnered with CIDA, South Africa's first virtually free university, to launch the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg. This programme identifies and nurtures budding entrepreneurs, and equips them with the skills and start-up funding to launch successful businesses of their own. The students receive intensive mentoring and are also given exposure to successful local and international entrepreneurs.
With the right support and encouragement, these young entrepreneurs can make a huge difference not only to their immediate families and communities, but ultimately the whole of South Africa.
* A report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor in 2007
