Overview

At the cost of a pair of soccer boots per Learner (and in the case of select schools for the cost of socks!) we are able to train learners into the establishment of business by demystifying the process and in a practical manner provide not only Skill sets, but very purposefully improving mind sets around business.

The consideration of success is not how many have completed or passed the course but how many actually have tried to establish a business.

Over a five day period of which the first three are of a training nature where the Board Room is simulated, to assist with the transition from school thinking to business thinking, we take the Learner through three essentials of entrepreneurship.

Three days or practical training followed by two days of actual establishment of a business Plan and the initiating of a business.

The Entrepreneurship Development Program has been developed from real life experiences in three continents by Daniel Spangenberg with the assistance of professionals in their field of expertise using “Best Practice” methodologies.

The three essentials are:

Conceptualisation. How to think about and consider business opportunities in identifying needs of a community.

Formalisation: Using the Business Plan we check if the concept is financially viable and sustainable.

Actualisation: Using Project Management principles we ensure the Business Plan is put into effect.

Three methodologies of training are used;

Static:  The manuals are simply reservoirs of knowledge.

Dynamic: The key to the success is in the energetic presentation and the attack of the mind set providing a “can do” attitude by the trainers.

Inter-Active: We attempt to link each syndicate with experienced businessmen who act as a mentor guiding the Learners in healthy business practice. These mentors are to be supplied by the school parents. (We also source from the Lions Club and Rotarians)

Purpose and Background

The Minister of Finance, the Honorable Pravin Gordham, has indicated in his Budget speech October, 2009 that the prime area for development within South Africa is education, crime and employment stimulation. Unemployment has many facets and touches all areas of life. The higher the unemployment, the higher the crime rate.

To provide the training to the groups most vulnerable we will need financial assistance. At present we offer our courses to those who are able to afford the cost but have come to the realization to make a tangible difference we need to offer the Program to those who need the skill sets and mind set adjustment the most, those unable to afford the costs of training and those at risk.

The purpose of this Proposal therefore is to offer the Entrepreneurial Development Program to larger masses of Learners and specifically for those unable to afford such development as a norm.

The Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP) has been developed out of recognizing the need for employment generation at the level of School leaver. We have noted that once a Learner has left school and joined the group of the unemployed, the Learner is negatively inclined and has, as a norm, been exposed to criminality and drug abuse.

The existing method of teaching in schools does not provide the school leaver with the ability to initiate a business. The Business teachings are of a general nature and deals with economic principles rather than establishment of entrepreneurial practices and business.

Alternatively, training is offered using a variety of game board style teachings. “Best Practice” methodologies would advise against this as it teaches the child that business is a “game” and there are no repercussions to poor decisions except leaving the game. We have never encountered a property mogul who has been taught property management and development by playing Monopoly.

To counter these concerns a program was developed with the express purpose that those concluding the program would be able to understand the basic principle of how to think about establishing a business (Conceptualisation). Thereafter, to check the concept by putting these thoughts on paper using the outline of a Business Plan (Formalisation) and finally to effect the business using principles of Project Management (Actualisation).

These principles have been checked internationally by establishing businesses in Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, USA, Namibia and South Africa. The initial roll out was to Hatfield Christian School in Pretoria (Grades 10, 11 and 12). Thereafter the program was refined by presenting to schools in Namibia.

• Emmanuel Shifidi Secondary School ( Rural based school)
• Windhoek Hoer skool (Afrikaans middles class)
• David Bezuidenhout Secondary School (Baster Community low income group Khomasdal)
• Delta schools (Previously Deutsche Schule – High income European based school)
• St Georges Secondary School – High income English speaking multi cultural school

Program Methodology

The EDP uses three concepts in creating an understanding of business to groups who usually do not have the foundational knowledge in business, economics or even personal financial practices.

The concepts taught are;

Conceptualisation

This is the action where the learners are taught how to think in a business fashion. They are taught elements of idea generation and how to look at a potential business as well as concepts of brainstorming ideas. They are taught to identify the needs and want of their community and consider aspects of enhancement and add value concepts.

Formalization

The ideas considered in Conceptualisation must be tested for sustainability and financial viability and we use the Business Plan to put the ideas on paper and formalize the thoughts. These would include Financial Projections and the calculation of Break Even Point. Aspects in marketing are dealt with teaching concepts of Target Market and the Marketing mix as well as research of the concept.

Actualization

After ideas are developed and put on paper to test viability, they need to be put in action and the principles of Project Management are used to actualise these plans ensuring they go beyond just dreams into real life. We use simplified PERT Diagrams and Action Plans with prioritising concepts to ensure the business can and will get done.

Mentor Program (Optional)

A Mentor Program is put in place to assist the Learners in maximizing the training given. We source our mentors from the school parents. We also approach the Chambers of Commerce, Lions and Rotarians for mentor assistance using the experience and business knowledge of these members. The success of the Mentor program has been such that the funding of potential businesses has been considered by Mentors.

The initial training is entrenched by the use of the static manual guidelines and the personal advice and guidance of the Mentors while research and development of the Business Plan takes place.

Functions expected of the Mentors are;

v  An introductory meeting with the Learners for one hour on day one of training.

v  To inspire and break the mystery of business enabling the Learners to believe that business is possible.

v  To answer any questions the Learners may have during that session concerning the establishment of a business.

v  To be available telephonically (or if possible personally) for follow up guidance. NOTE: the Mentors do not teach, but simply guide the syndicates and therefore do not take initiative but react to queries.

v  The possibility of considering financial support and shareholding in a successful development of a Business Plan is included to a maximum of 15% of shareholding and a non-executive position in the business with a buy back clause over two years.

Presentation Methodology (optimal)

The program is delivered over a period of five days. (Dependent on costs the program can also be offered over a three day period) The first three days take place from 14h00 to 17h00. The last two days take place over a period agreed upon for the research and development of the Business Plan which is presented on day 4. Day 5 is used to assist with the refining or establishment of the business.

Conclusion of Training

The conclusion is a Graduation Ceremony in the form of an Expo of the Business Plans where all relevant parties are invited and Certificates are presented to the members. (Alternatively the ceremony is held on the school premises and the expo is in the form of a feedback session)

The team from Spangenberg Management Solutions invites you to contact them to elaborate on this highly successful program. The opportunity to approach the concern of unemployment before it has the chance to rear its head and to encourage youth into a positive view of business from the outset has tremendous value and will affect the future of not only the Learner but the entire community and nation.

Our overall intention at Spangenberg Management Solutions is to not only provide the ability to be self-employed, but to change the mind set and the mystery of business creating positive experiences so that even if the syndicate does fail they will still attempt business. The concept of “failing forward fast” is considered where it is estimated that 80% of first attempts end in failure and that these failures must be managed to prevent long term cost and/or damage to the Entrepreneur. We provide the support for these potential failures and any psychological damage is considered and dealt with in the training stage by providing a positive view of business. No businesses exceeding R5, 000.00 are encouraged initially unless well established with support from experienced businessmen/women and considerable financial viability is proven.

Our focus at EDP is primarily to attack the mindset our customers hold about business!

Using best practices and methodology learnt from top international learning institutions, and then contextualized for the South African marketplace, we have developed a unique three step process and mentorship program with which we would like to reach our one and only goal, to help you start your first business!

Using our Unique Three Step Process we will help you to:

1. Think about, and decide on, which business you would like to start!
2. Help you to organize your thoughts into a formal business plan and model!
3. Using basic project management skills we teach you, to formulate a timeline and action sheet with which to start your business!

Our Mentorship Program includes:

1. Having your business plan critiqued by established roleplayers in the private and corporate business sector!
2. Having access to one of our mentors for a period of six months after completing your course!