Enterprise Development

Programme Highlights

Pictures from the Enterprise Development Programme, August / September 2025 — where seven businesses were awarded non-monetary grants of computer and other equipment to scale up their operations.

New Venture Creation Graduation

Held on the 7th of March 2025 at the office of the Global Business School of Entrepreneurship (Pty) Ltd, No. 85 Central Street, Johannesburg. Six entrepreneurs graduated on the SAQA ID 66249 New Venture Creation Programme (NQF Level 4), accredited by the Services SETA. The programme was funded by the Wholesale and Retail Sector SETA, the GBSE, the Foholoza Foundation and the Sakhumnotho Foundation.

About Us

• Executive Summary
• Our Team
• News
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our Delivery Platforms & Solutions

The GBSE offers three delivery platforms with its suite of solutions:

• Online Delivery Platform & Programmes — a five-day programme in Fundamentals for Start-Ups, plus a suite of masterclasses in New Venture Creation / Enterprise Development and Leadership Development.
• Face-to-Face Delivery Platform & Programmes — a QCTO-accredited New Venture Creation Programme (15-day, NQF Level 2), Business Modelling Programme, Business Coaching Services, Enterprise Development Programme, Supplier Development Programme and Leadership Coaching Services.
• Information-Based Solutions — an Entrepreneurship Toolkit.

Our Team

News — 2025

New Venture Creation Learnership Graduation for GBSE, the Foholoza Foundation and the Wholesale & Retail Sector SETA, on 7 March 2025.

Enterprise Development Programme — August / September 2025

Seven businesses were awarded non-monetary grants of computer and other equipment to scale up their businesses:

• Mamiza Creations (Pty) Ltd
• SteveThang Funeral Parlours (Pty) Ltd
• Vestige Express – Construction (Pty) Ltd
• Shammah Tech Services (Pty) Ltd — Fire Detection Services
• Harmony Candles Boutique & Events
• Nolunza Construction (Pty) Ltd
• Bukay-IT Florist (Pty) Ltd

Enterprise Development Programme

The outline and structure for an Enterprise Development Programme can be adapted to suit SMEs, start-ups, or corporates running supplier / enterprise development initiatives.

Programme Objectives

• Support the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Build entrepreneurial capacity and business resilience.
• Create market linkages and opportunities for access to funding.
• Enhance innovation, competitiveness and job creation.

Target Participants

• Early-stage entrepreneurs (0–3 years in operation).
• Growth-stage businesses (3–5+ years in operation).
• Sector-specific enterprises (depending on funder focus, e.g. ICT, agriculture, manufacturing).
• Priority given to youth, women, or community-based enterprises (optional, depending on programme goals).

Programme Structure

Phase 1: Recruitment & Selection

1. Call for applications.
2. Screening against eligibility criteria.
3. Pitch / interview process to select the final cohort.

Phase 2: Orientation & Baseline Assessment

1. Onboarding session (programme overview, expectations, code of conduct).
2. Business diagnostic (financial health, operational model, compliance, leadership capacity).
3. Individual Development Plans (IDPs) created for each entrepreneur.

Phase 3: Core Learning & Capacity Building

1. Entrepreneurial Mindset & Leadership.
2. Business Model Development & Strategy.
3. Financial Management & Compliance.
4. Sales, Marketing & Branding.
5. Operations & Supply Chain.
6. Digital Transformation & Innovation.
7. People & HR Management.
8. Governance & Risk Management.

Phase 4: Delivery Methods

1. Workshops.
2. Masterclasses.
3. E-Learning.
4. Peer Learning Circles.

Phase 5: Coaching & Mentorship

1. One-on-one business coaching sessions.
2. Industry mentors for sector-specific insights.
3. Peer-to-peer mentoring within the cohort.

Phase 6: Market & Growth Linkages

1. Access to procurement opportunities (corporate supply chains, government contracts).
2. Networking and industry roundtables.
3. Exposure to local and international markets.

Phase 7: Access to Finance Support

1. Financial literacy and investor-readiness workshops.
2. Linkages to funders (banks, angel investors, VC & grant providers).
3. Pitch days and demo sessions.

Phase 8: Monitoring & Evaluation

1. Mid-point check-ins and performance reviews.
2. Progress measurement against baseline diagnostics.
3. Adjustments to support plans as needed.

Phase 9: Graduation & Post-Programme Support

1. Final showcase / pitch event.
2. Certification and recognition.
3. Alumni network for continuous support and collaboration.
4. Post-programme tracking for 12–24 months.

Programme Duration

• 6 to 12 months (typical, depending on the depth of support).
• A combination of intensive training in the early phases, then ongoing mentorship and market-access activities.

Support Resources

• Access to legal, financial and HR advisory clinics.
• Learning Management Platform (hybrid / digital).
• Knowledge Hub (templates, toolkits, case studies).