We’re Open for Business. Are you?
Whether you sell flowers, clothes or car parts; more business is always good business. The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, the non-profit community project funded by Virgin Unite, has launched the city’s first “Open for Business Festival” in Johannesburg. The aim of the festival is to create a platform for young businesses to create new networks and grow.
So come and network with fellow small business owners and local entrepreneurs and market your goods to your community in a family-friendly and festive environment. You could even be chosen as the next Branson Centre ambassador and receive free business training, mentoring, practical advice and a fun goodie bag.
Where and when will these festivals be held?
Three “Open for Business” events are planned for Jo’burg. The first kicks off at the Katlehong Art Centre on the 8th of September 2012 at 15:00. There will be fun entertainment for the community and one participating small business owner will be chosen to join the Branson Centre and receive invaluable training, one-on-one mentoring and business tools to help them grow – at no cost to them.
Who is invited to take part?
All local entrepreneurs are invited to market their business to their communities and help drive sales. One lucky entrepreneur will be selected that day to become a Branson Centre entrepreneur benefitting from free hands-on business training, mentorship and access to the incredible networks of the Branson Centre and its founder.
Where and when? Book your stand now…
Date: Saturday 3 November 2012, Virgin Active Soweto, Chris Hani Road, Maponya, Soweto
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Cost: Stall costs R100 per business. 50% of this fee will be awarded to the winning stand on the day over and above the invaluable Branson Centre tuition. The balance will be invested into the Branson Centre training programmes.
To book a stand, contact Lebo Molefe at 073 348 6996 or email info@lifesgud.com by 20 August 2012. Cost is R100 per business. 50% of the funds raised will be awarded to the Branson Centre ambassador chosen on the day.
Or book online: 
How can Open for Business Soweto benefit an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, the Open for Business festival will help you grow by enabling you to:
- Set up a stand and sell your products
- Network with other small business owners
- Learn useful business tips from Branson Centre ambassadors and training team
At the festival, one registered business who has not trained at the Branson Centre will be chosen as the next Branson Centre ambassador, with automatic entry to our training programme with no application form needed and no selection interview.
They will receive free:
- Training and mentoring
- Samsung Galaxy Pocket smartphone courtesy of Virgin Mobile
- Digital tools from Google trained individuals to grow your business
- Financial guidance from Nedbank supported by Small Business Friday
- R2 000 cash