Small ICT businesses invited to apply for International Trade Programme

In April 2013, 11 entrepreneurial businesses were taken on a unique trip by MEDO (the Micro Enterprise Development Organisation) and BT (British Telecom) Global Services. The trip was the culmination of an intensive 10-week programme that saw entrepreneurs in the ICT sector first applying, then being selected to go on the trade visit that resulted in five of the eleven small businesses signing deals or partnerships. The remaining six also fared well by creating networks with potential business partners. Now there is another opportunity to take part in this experience.

Unlocking potential

Entrepreneurs, who have small businesses operating within the ICT sectors, are invited to apply for the next International Trade Programme (ITP). All entries will be evaluated and the selected entrepreneurs will be placed on the programme. Those who triumph during 'bootcamp' will go on the next trade visit to the UK in November 2013.

To facilitate this initiative, MEDO partners with BT Global Services who sponsor the ICT ITP. In addition, the University of Stellenbosch's Business School (USB) enables a week-long training session where the entrepreneurs are exposed to the Executive Development programme, better equipping them for their time in front of tough investors and business partners internationally.

This is the third of more such trips in the pipeline (the first trip having occurred in 2012) and is the brainchild of Judi Sandrock, CEO of MEDO, an on-the-ground implementer of sustainable micro and small enterprise development. The company offers a range of services for South African entrepreneurs at no cost to the entrepreneur, including a Foundation Business Skills Programme; fixed and mobile Walk-In Centres offering entrepreneurs free access to computer, internet and telephone services; weekly networking events and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses.

In addition, MEDO has also recognised the need to assist organisations to develop winning Enterprise Development (ED) strategies, operational roll-out plans and other related advisory services to support their BBBEE and broader investment priorities and has developed a robust Supplier Development Programme to help prepare for the revised BBBEE codes due this year. MEDO's cumulative knowledge and experience in the ED space means the company is able to assist corporate clients to develop and design ED strategies that speak to their specific requirements. This service offering aims to unlock significant benefits that can be passed on to organisations, especially those who have ED funding and do not know how best to reap the rewards.

For more information on MEDO, or to apply, go to www.medo.co.za.

For more information on BT's sustainability approach, go to www.bt.com/betterfuture.