Absa Bank Botswana celebrates young, aspiring entrepreneurs

Absa Bank , in partnership with Global Communities, celebrated the successful completion of the “Built 4 Biz ” programme, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs with the essential skills, on 26 May 2023 at Cresta Hotel Mahalapye.  Implemented by the Absa Corporate and Investment Bank Citizenship team in South Africa, the programme is designed to help early-stage and ideation entrepreneurs between the ages of 18- 34 years develop the technical and soft skills required to navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a successful enterprise in a post-Covid environment.

Through its strategic partnership with Global Communities, a renowned developmental organisation, Absa has leveraged its previous experience in implementing successful programmes like “ReadytoWork” to deliver a high-impact initiative that addresses the unique challenges faced by young entrepreneurs. This collaboration highlights the commitment of both organisations to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering young individuals to become change-makers in their communities.

Dennis Mambure, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Absa Bank Botswana, expressed his enthusiasm about the success of the programme, stating, “We are delighted to witness the remarkable achievements of these young women who have demonstrated their determination and dedication throughout the ‘Built to Work’ programme. We believe that empowering entrepreneurs with the right skills and knowledge is pivotal in driving economic growth and fostering innovation in our communities.”

The comprehensive “Built 4 BizWork” programme covered various crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, including Personal Mastery, Financial Management, Compliance, Building Green, Business Models, Sales and Marketing, Effective Pitching, and 4iR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) technologies. By combining technical expertise and soft skills development, the programme provided participants with a holistic approach to building successful businesses in an ever-evolving business environment.

Mambure, further remarked, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants who have demonstrated their growth, resilience, and readiness to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship. We are confident that the knowledge and skills acquired through this programme will serve as a solid foundation for their future success.”