Joburg businesswoman gets on her bike

Lynne Scullard from Fourways, Johannesburg, who owns a scooter training school, Scully Scooters, graduated from the EIP in at the end of February 2013. The EIP, which was launched in March 2012, provides a stepping stone for entrepreneurs who are interested in developing or growing a business, but do not have access to the requisite skills, industry knowledge, business networks and support.

Scully Scooters, which Scullard started in 2011, is based in Gauteng and in the Western Cape, with the latter branch operating as a licensed reseller. The business aims to improve road safety and provide alternative, affordable transport for commuters through delivering training programmes that speak about scooter safely, how to run a business on a bike, and the skills required to get work on a motorcycle.

Jobs for 51 people in the last year

While Scullard and two other people in the Western Cape are currently the only full-time employees of Scully Scooters, the company has provided jobs for 51 people in the last year through various means. Scullard has put forward an application for R160 000 funding from Anglo American's dedicated enterprise development arm, Zimele, which could result in 10 other individuals being placed into jobs.

During her involvement in the EIP, Scullard met various people from Anglo American and spent time with coaches from business incubator company Aurik, receiving lessons about business. She noted that the lessons were instrumental in assisting her to refine her business model and help establish a profitable and sustainable enterprise.

"The EIP has undoubtedly made a positive difference to my business. The greatest lesson I learnt was that if you spend more time planning and systematising your business before you start it, you will be much more productive once the business is operating.

"Instead of leaping head first into my business venture, the EIP taught me how to take the time to build systems and replicable templates, and simplify the marketing of our offering. Subsequently, I am now better equipped to roll this model out nationally and significantly increase my business's profit."

Scullard added that a stipend that she received from Anglo American during the course of the EIP played a significant role in affirming her current business position, as she was able to reduce the time she spent in other cash-generating activities and divert resources to Scully Scooters.

Godfrey Gomwe, CEO of Anglo American's thermal coal business, who was instrumental in the development of the EIP, concluded that Scullard's enterprise success validated the effectiveness of the programme.

"One of the primary objectives of the EIP is to ensure that entrepreneurs with promise are able fully to develop and realise their potential, and subsequently sustain profitable businesses that can also add real value to local communities.

"Lynne's achievements in operating a profitable business with the potential for long-term growth, and the fact that she has helped create employment for numerous people, affirms that the programme has succeeded in this regard, and is making a real and tangible difference."