Work on a Volunteer Business Project in South Africa

Business meeting

This volunteer business development project works with young entrepreneurs in Cape Town. They are looking to start their own businesses and need help and advice from an experienced volunteer. You will work in conjunction with a business school which provides education and hands on support.

This project is perfect for anyone considering voluntary work abroad or businesspeople on a career break.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer businesspeople help in South Africa?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer businesspeople help in South Africa?

As a volunteer businessperson you can use your knowledge and training to help South African entrepreneurs. You can work on tasks such as:

• Helping business students from disadvantaged areas with community leadership projects as part of their curriculum.
• Assessing and carefully selecting entrepreneurs with the potential to start and successfully run a business.
• Training entrepreneurs to build these enterprises.
• Planning their ventures and nurturing them in the critical start-up phase or ‘early-stage’.
• Providing support on creating a business model
• Developing their managerial skills as the business grows.
• Carefully weaning them to independence as they reach the critical mass necessary to succeed in the marketplace.
• Help to plan publicity events and marketing.

The project works with the Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSiBA) in Cape Town. TSiBA focuses on developing entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities. They also look to go further than traditional business schools by providing hands-on support for students as they develop their business.

Given the unique way in which TSiBA runs, there may not be a ‘typical day’ on your project. You may spend time holding meetings with students or taking part in their classes. Alternatively, you might spend an afternoon in the market with an entrepreneur advising them on selling techniques. You will be able to arrange a schedule with your project supervisor.

This project runs all year round so you can join at any time. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

Business Development Volunteer

You will gain valuable experience of working in a completely different market with a variety of businesses. You will develop your ability to teach and think creatively. You will also work alongside young, talented entrepreneurs who will be keen to share ideas.

You will spend time in an unfamiliar environment, learning about a different culture and way of life. South Africans will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in South Africa is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a South African family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as trips into the local town.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have completed a Bachelors Degree in Business Management or a similar subject then you are perfectly suited to this project. If you do not have a degree then we require at least 2 years of experience in a related industry.

There is a minimum requirement of 2 months to undertake this project.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.