SA entrepreneurs could grow from R2-R10m with new programme

The Johannesburg chapter of the global Entrepreneurs' Organisation (EO) will be launching the Accelerator programme for the first time in South Africa. Designed to take businesses to the next level of success with an injection of mentoring, education and networking, the Accelerator programme has been hotly tipped as the catalyst to catapult first stage business to the next level.

Since 1987, EO has been transforming the lives of the entrepreneurs who transform the world. As the global thought leader in entrepreneurship, it plays an integral role in businesses, industries and the lives of leaders around the world. It is currently running Accelerator successfully in several other countries.

The key programme mission is to empower first stage member entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow their businesses to more than R10m in sales and, at the same time, transfer skills to create better entrepreneurs and leaders. Along with structured educational content focused on the core areas of first-stage businesses, the Accelerator programme affords the unique experience of learning from and connecting with the world's most influential network of entrepreneurs.

The programme is exclusive - a maximum of 30 candidates that meet the criteria will be eligible. Only qualified applicants will be considered, although qualification does not necessarily ensure admission into the programme.

To qualify for the Accelerator programme, business owners must:

• Be the owner or founder of an operating business with gross yearly revenues between R2m and R8m.
• Complete the application process and verify sales criteria
• Pass an Interview with the local Entrepreneurs' Organisation

Tuition for the South African Accelerator programme is R22,500 per participant. This fee grants access to four quarterly learning seminars, monthly accountability groups, access to EO events with leading entrepreneurs and access to numerous networking opportunities with peers.

EO will be giving away a prize of a place in the Accelerator programme, including a one-year membership and extensive one-on-one mentoring to one first stage South African entrepreneur valued at R50,000. For more information, go to www.eoafrica.org/accelerator-application.