#SmartCakes was developed by Shoprite Checkers to create an opportunity for learners to gain practical experience and showcase their entrepreneurial skills in celebration of World Entrepreneurs' Day on 21 August. The goal was to create awareness for entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.
Learners had to create business plans and take the initial profit from selling cupcakes, provided by Shoprite and Checkers stores, as input costs for additional entrepreneurial ventures. At the end of the three-week challenge the school that generated the most profit from the initial investment was Bethlehem Voortrekker High in the Free State, which made more than R20,000 in profit, by holding car washes, hosting movie nights and making other products to sell.
For their prize they receive R10,000 in vouchers from Shoprite and Checkers, and all the money raised will be used to buy new seating in the learners' cafeteria. The School Principal, Gys Coetzee, said that the learners enjoyed the challenge immensely and learned a great deal. The runners-up were Dalview Primary School (Brakpan) and Frank Joubert Primary School (Port Elizabeth).
The #SmartCakes initiative stems from previous challenges posed by the supermarket group, which continuously encourages children to be entrepreneurs in order to create more employment opportunities for young people.
Caring for the communities that Shoprite Checkers operate in has always been a priority for the supermarket group and to show appreciation for the loyal support from the community, it is continuously looking for ways in which to give something back to its customers.
Pictures shared by learners during the #Smartcakes campaign can be seen on Instagram.
