Sir Richard Branson is known as an inveterate showman. But he also has a heart as big as his over-the-top publicity stunts and a passionate desire to make the world a better place—just look to his Virgin Unite foundation. Among his foundation’s many endeavors, he is taking a unique and entrepreneurial approach designed to make a huge difference in South African communities.
Why? Because a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor in 2007 shows that South Africa’s economic growth is under threat because of a shortage of new entrepreneurs.
Branson recognized the valuable work going on in Africa of social entrepreneur Taddy Bletcher, who created the Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) Foundation . It supports non-profit educational organizations and programs throughout the world that develop greatness and leadership within individuals and communities.
Together, Branson and Bletcher created The Branson School of Entrepreneurship , an intensive 18-month training program for CIDA graduates that aims, with specialized training, support and micro-loans, to launch 30 small businesses each year.
The School creates opportunities that help student entrepreneurs follow their dreams of owning and managing successful businesses, by working to:
• Identify and nurture individuals with entrepreneurial potential
• Develop potential entrepreneurs in a practical, relevant and holistic way
• Provide students with real-world business skills and mentorship
• Promote entrepreneurship as a desirable career option and
• Support start-ups and micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, services, networks and finance arrangements
Students receive coaching and mentoring as they prepare their business plans and are given exposure to successful local and international entrepreneurs. The CIDA Seed Fund provides students with promising business plans with much needed capital to start their micro-enterprises. The application process is a strict and disciplined one, where a loan is only granted to students whose plans show clear evidence of financial viability and sustainability.
Sir Richard Branson has inspired us with his brilliant mind for business, as well as his compassion and dedication to improve the world. Thank you, kind sir.
(6 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Loading ...
This is what we need more of. Entrepreneurial people like Richard and Taddy Bletcher putting the principles they teach into practice. This is leading by example and giving back in a way that empowers people to find their own greatness. Good for them.
Great info and the simple tips or guidelines for managing or growing a successful community in a business environment are great. Starting a business with a nurtuing community and smart business fundementals is powerful. Thanks for sharing!
okay thats great
Richard sees the need to assist people with being themselves in many areas. As you described above, he is assisting entrepreneurs to develop thier visoins – much like we do here in Polaris.
He also has several other charitable groups focusing of assisting people in different ways, such as his current Virgin United campaign, with internet marketer Tellman Knudsen who is running barefoot accross the US with the goal of raising $100 million for the teenage homelessness initiative. http://runtellmanrun.com/