Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa
 This program is relevant to all upper level undergraduate students and graduate students regardless of major. It is not limited to business majors, and so those studying sociology, engineering, information studies, architecture, economics, political science, government, social work, and other fields are welcome. The key requirements are a strong work ethic, emotional maturity and a desire to make a difference.
The program is a life-changing experience, where students help and learn from disadvantaged entrepreneurs in the Black townships near Cape Town, South Africa. Students form consulting teams work with small businesses over six weeks to help make the ventures sustainable. They work closely with entrepreneurs based in the townships. These special individuals have managed to overcome a history of apartheid, limited education, and severely constrained resources to create small enterprises. Their ventures range from catering and arts & crafts business to community newspapers and small manufacturing operation s.
The student consulting teams are expected to identify and prioritize the key needs of the entrepreneur, and make meaningful progress in addressing some of the priority needs. The focus is less on analysis and more on producing tangible deliverables that the entrepreneur can use. Students develop marketing and financial plans, create bookkeeping systems, improve operations, renegotiate contracts, and much, much more. While gaining practical experiences, students perform an important service in the township. Stellenbosch University, which is the heart of the fabulous wine country of South Africa, will host the program.
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