REISA mentors local entrepreneurs AND HELPS TO BOOST LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

June 2017

REISA’s Business Development & Mentoring programme is an incubation programme that supports enterprises across industries and sectors.  This programme aims to help accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services including mentorship and coaching, common services, and networking connections. Ultimately stimulating the local economic growth and to create opportunities for the economic participation of previously disadvantaged groups.

Over the last two years a number of enterprises have benefited from this programme, one of which is Mr. Olyn, owner of a burgeoning local landscaping company, My Idea Garden Services.  REISA’s support has included, amongst other things, a mobile office unit, additional business equipment, salary support and a vehicle to boost operations.  Most importantly, this support has had direct results on the business’s turnover and has resulted in over 40 local staff members being employed.

“The increased revenue has enabled my business to acquire another vehicle and new equipment to alleviate future technical challenges. Additionally, a Tree Log Shredder was also purchased, which has meant we can expand and diversify our revenue stream, to now include locally manufactured organic compost,” explained Mr. Olyn, owner of My Idea Garden Services,  who has plans to expand his business further, by establishing a nursery.

Thirteen of the company’s employees, attended a Life Skills Training Program and an additional 4 employees have benefited hugely from the Team Leader Training initiative. Furthermore, employees have undergone Health and Safety training as well as firefighting training.

“Mr Olyn, is a very resilient entrepreneur, who employs sound and logical measures to ensure the success of his business. He continuously demonstrates an ability to identify opportunities for the purpose of diversifying services and revenue streams and has a positive outlook whilst differentiating his business as a specialist in the industry to remain relevant in the market, but most importantly his business is becoming sustainable and is providing local employment and empowerment,” commented Sizile Mabaso, Chief Community Operations Officer of REISA.

In addition to benefitting My Idea Garden Services, REISA’s Enterprise Development Programme has also provided assistance to Gamagara Cape Solar Solutions, Allmar Engineering, Strongs Pest Control, Lemphe Logistics, WBB Medical Billing System, and Wekhaya Security.