The Enterprise Development Programme is an initiative founded by Builders, aimed at developing and empowering black businesses, particularly small to medium enterprises in the areas where Builders operates.
This year, twenty-four tradesmen and women have been selected from various communities (targeting Gauteng) in which Builders SuperStore operates, to participate in the Builders Enterprise Development Programme 2017.
The selection criteria, developed by Builders and Black Suppliers, requires candidates to be self-employed (with or without a registered company), own trade tools and equipment, be reliable, have skills and experience in building, tiling, plumbing and most importantly, they must portray a dedication to their craft.
The candidates will embark on a 12 month training programme. The first six months of the training will focus on basic business management and technical skills in their respective trades and the other six months are for implementation and evaluation.
Upon completion of their training, Builders SuperStore will assist the tradesmen and women to formalise their businesses, by registering their companies with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission), ensuring BBBEE accreditation and Tax compliance.
“Black Suppliers in partnership with Builders has been instrumental in the training and development of these tradesmen by providing a 6-month accredited training programme which equipped the tradesmen in the following key skills: Financial Management, Marketing, Pricing, Customer Service, Contractor Responsibilities and Liabilities etc,” says Gerald Ndlovu, founder and executive at Black Suppliers.
“This has helped the tradesmen to treat their operations, not just as a small one-man endeavour (zama-zama), but as real businesses with an opportunity for growth and potential to take on large projects.”
Successful candidates have been drawn and shortlisted from areas such as Alexandra, Tembisa, Cosmo City, Evaton, Protea Glen, Sebokeng, Tswelo-Pele and Vosloorus.
The selected are both from Protea Glen, Soweto:
Thembinkosi Khoza– Tiler, he’s 28 and has a 5 year experience.
Monde Ngqola– boasts a 15 year experience as a Plumber. He’s 41.
The client base for our tradesmen has increased by an average of 20% after the programme.
This is largely attributable to marketing through local radio stations done during the training programme and referrals through the stores,” commented Mncane Mthunzi- Builders SuperStore Director.
“We’re passionate about the development of existing and emerging tradesmen and women in various communities we operate in,” says Mthunzi.
