Virgin Unite

Virgin Unite has teamed up with social entrepreneur Taddy Bletcher, founder of CIDA, South Africa’s first virtually-free institution, to create The Branson School of Entrepreneurship, an intensive 18-month training programme for CIDA graduates that aims to launch 30 small businesses each year.

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.

The Branson School of Entrepreneurship works 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

Here students get their business plans ready for launch upon graduation. They have a virtual office, with a desk, computer, telephone, internet access, as well as a meeting room and boardroom facilities. They receive coaching and mentoring 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.

Thanks to the fundraising activity by Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 yearly event, where places to join Richard Branson on trips to South Africa have been auctioned to attendees, nearly £500K has been raised for the Seed Fund. Winners to date include Tom Bloxham, Leo Caplan, Mike Parsons, James Richardson, Perry Wilson and Robert Bensoussan.

The School creates opportunities that help student entrepreneurs follow their dreams of owning and managing successful businesses. With the right support and encouragement, we’re helping future entrepreneurs make a huge difference to not only the students themselves, but also their families, communities and ultimately the whole of South Africa.