Investing R12m in black entrepreneurs - apply today

This new partnership will enable entrepreneurs of black-owned businesses to take part in a two-year long programme that facilitates increased profitability in their respective businesses.

The innovative Raizcorp ACUMEN enterprise expansion programme is designed for ambitious and tenacious entrepreneurs to take their business Acumen to the next level through an incredible curriculum of entrepreneurial learning and mentorship support.

Commenting on the partnership, Investec CEO Stephen Koseff said:

"Entrepreneurship has always been integral to Investec's culture and is embodied within our core values and philosophies, how we conduct ourselves and the activities in which we engage. Investec has always supported entrepreneurs, realizing the importance of the role they play in our economy. The partnership with Raizcorp is aligned with our strategy to support and develop small business owners with high growth potential."

The 12 deserving entrepreneurs selected for the programme will be assigned a dedicated team of five trained Raizcorp guides, who will focus on key areas from strategy, finance and marketing to sales and personal development. Profitability is said to increase substantially for 95% of participating businesses, over a period of two years.

To add to the ambition, entrepreneurs and their staff will have access to Raizcorp Learning, one of the incubator's core offerings, consisting of courses and workshops tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurs.

How to apply

Applications are open for entrepreneurs who are active full time in their 51% or more black-owned business. The business must have been trading for at least 12 months and have an average turnover of at least R50,000 per month.

Those interested in applying must complete an online expression of interest before Friday 3 May 2013. The expression of interest form is available at www.raizcorp.com.

For more information, contact Raizcorp on +27 (0) 11 566 2000 or email Andisa Ngqwebo (moc.procziar@nasidna).