Sponsor a Women to Start Her Own Business in Ghana

Dear Supporters,

COVID-19 outbreak is currently destroying the economy which South Africa has slowly been building since apartheid ended over 26 years ago. Even before COVID-19, South Africa was experiencing extensive racism, poverty and age and gender inequality. In January 2020, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the unemployment rate of youth was as high as 58%. As South Africa has gone into lockdown, South Africa is expecting to experience a minus 4% economic growth as an anticipated 1,600 small-businesses will become insolvent, and that does not include the informal business sector which employs over 2,5 million people. Thus, as we aim to rebuild the economy, the huge income inequality due to colour and age makes it difficult for marginalised entrepreneurs to break the barriers to join the workforce and start businesses. We are therefore sending out an emergency appeal to assist in rebuilding the South African economy one small business at a time.

COVID-19 is going to change our way of life forever. We are already seeing the struggle for informal businesses not being able to function. Even with government support being put in place, it is clear that many people are going to be left unemployed after this outbreak.

Our entrepreneurial program is going to be a vital resource for the local community to rebuild lives as we come out of this unknown time.  GVI Trust will be setting up a not-for-profit coworking space for small-business owners which have been and are being affected by COVID-19.  This project will offer marginalised entrepreneurs the opportunity to become members of the co-working space and its attached benefits. The membership offerings are anticipated to grow after the start-up period. Initial benefits include:

Training and Mentorship

We will be providing access to training workshops with a specific focus on business skills to recover from the aftermath of COVID-19 and adapt to the changing conditions. We will also be providing a basic introduction to setting up a business and leadership training to new businesses. In addition, each member will have access to an experienced mentor who will provide support in business development, maintenance and growth. 

Collaboration and Networking

Learning from each other and working together is going to be vital to our success. We will be providing activities and events to encourage collaboration and networking between members but also outside influencers to grow their network. This will include guest speakers, pitch-nights and market days. 

Approval to utilise business address

To have mail sent to the co-working space; stating the address on correspondence to portray a level of professionalism; and hold meetings in an official office space. It currently takes an address to register a business, and to build a professional image, an element which is impossible for entrepreneurs who live in informal settlements. Something this co-working space will change.

Co-working space

Have a mobile desk in the space to allow for an affordable working space in the centre of the city, a product and service which is currently exclusive for entrepreneurs and businesses which have a large budget. This space would have electricity regardless of load-shedding, an issue heavily affecting small business owners; fast speed, uncapped internet; access to printing, scanning and other administrative facilities.

We would be most grateful if you would consider making a contribution to our COVID-19 Emergency Response project to assist with achieving our objective of:

• Affordable and professional address and spaces to at least 20 entrepreneurs per month
• Hold at least four business training workshops per month
• Provide 20 hours of mentorship per month
• Arrange one networking event per month

By providing this support we hope that small businesses will soon again be able to flourish and adapt to the landscape which this and future pandemics are going to force upon us. 

Thank you to our Donors, Fundraisers and Supporters for supporting Social Entrepreneurs in building their economy and allowing them to take ownership of local issues.

With Gratitude,

Africa Social Entrepreneurs