Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI) is inviting young people to participate in an entrepreneurship programme to help them start a business or scale up an existing entity.
From next week, MSI said it will be running an entrepreneurship programme, which will enable these young people to participate in the steel fabrication industry.
The programme will also assist participants to access more attractive markets, where 60 new jobs are expected to be created by end of the year.
Successful participants will be equipped with relevant skills.
The aim is to assist the Mpumalanga-based start-up companies or small, medium, and microenterprise that manufactures steel products or offer steel fabrication and related services to the domestic and industrial market,” says Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI) Centre Manager, Matlou Hector Makgato.
MSI is a non-profit company that is a technology business incubator established by Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism in 1999 and strategically supported by Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd.
“Those who already have existing companies and seek to diversify their products/services to expand or enter new markets are also welcome to submit their applications,” explains Makgato.
We will also assist unemployed young artisans and entrepreneurs with feasible new products or services that seek to address identified market opportunities or problems in the steel fabrication sector.
“Those who have unique or new ideas that can be demonstrated or validated for their potential to provide their business with a unique competitive advantage are also invited to be part of the programme.”
Makgato said MSIs call for applications was aimed at increasing participation in manufacturing steel products and related services by unemployed youth, especially women, people with disabilities, and previously disadvantaged individuals.
“While the focus is in specialty sectors like mining, energy, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, solutions that serve domestic markets such as manufacturing of security gates, braai stands, and building materials like window and door frames are welcome, said Makgato.
“The programme is designed to increase our effort to attract participants from all corners of the province and also to assist the government in eradicating poverty.
“We have support from stakeholders including Small Enterprise Development Agency, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Columbus Stainless (Ltd) Pty, Busmid.”
HOW TO APPLY
The application form can be requested from af@mpstainless.co.za or accessed at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vUXeF3EJtpJrube6DXCco0oXMWTyIjhH?usp=sharing.
A complete application must be supported by a business plan or proposal or company profile or definition of business/product idea.
The applications will be adjudicated according to the pre-defined criteria as stipulated in the application form. Correspondence will only be made to shortlisted candidates.
All applications must be submitted to: business@mpstainless.co.za or admin@mpstainless.co.za no later than 31 January 2022.
The application must clearly state in the subject line Application for Incubation – Project/Business Name and the Theme to which the application is responding. For general enquiries 013 246 1528.
