Disturbed by South Africa’s latest unemployment rate figures, #ImStaying NPC in partnership with The Lion’s Den have launched the #ImStaying Entrepreneur Movement in an effort to lower the South African unemployment rate by 5% over the next five years by empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable and profitable businesses.
The online platform is enabling individuals who are thinking about starting a business using entrepreneurial alternatives. Members of the initiative will have access to specialized business coaching and training; a business directory listing, a professional mini-website; connection with a Facebook Community where members can share ideas, ask advice and trade amongst each other as well as exposure of their existing business to the community, corporates and investors.
Additionally, there will also be a “find work” section where members can see which services other members are looking for, “chapters” where members can connect and communicate with other members in close geographical proximity to them.
#ImStaying has over 1.1 million followers on Facebook which has made it easier for them to challenge South Africans to commit to taking the first step to becoming self-sufficient. According to #ImStaying Group Founder and CEO, Jarette Petzer, “Job creation is paramount to the stimulation and growth of our economy. My firm belief is that micro-business is the answer to building a vibrant and fruitful economy, helping more South Africans to live a dignified life.”
“Entrepreneurship was not encouraged in South Africa traditionally. A lack of infrastructure, as well as a professional online presence; unavailability of basic business coaching; limited sales and marketing knowledge; and access to market are still huge barriers to enter into the business world, and with our massive unemployment rate, we are facing an unemployment epidemic,” explained Leon Lategan, CEO of The Lions Den, and co-creator of the #ImStaying Entrepreneur Movement.
