RidgeCity - Enterprises

Purpose

Economic upliftment/ self sufficiency
To teach those with initiative the process toward starting and running a business.
To enable contact and engagement with appropriate funding/loan resources
To continue with long term coaching and encouragement of business women/men and youth.
To facilitate, train and establish young entrepreneurs.
To develop an infrastructure for a solid self-sustaining micro economy within the township, which includes facilitating the setting up of small shops/businesses and industries
To connect big business with small business

Value Added

Establishes commerce in the community
Provides jobs
Provides much needed services
Attracts more business/ encourages further development
Gives hope
Trains people to be employers of choice
Trains employees to be people of integrity
Reduces poverty

Current Activities

Weekly business meetings with businesses that have already started and those in the process of starting up. Since inception on 8 May 2007, twelve business people have joined this forum. Many of these businesses have opened, a few await funds to start their operation. Submitting business plans is encouraged to either start a business or expand an existing concern. These meetings are led by experienced and established business leaders who provide mentoring for future entrepreneurs. Qualifications for start-up loans are strict to ensure sustainability of businesses. One on one mentoring is also provided. This initiative is growing strong, with new business ideas and proposals added monthly. Funding is mainly provided by companies seeking BEE compliancy.
Accessed and facilitated training provided by Ethekwini municipality (done on 12 June 2007 with +/- 50 women participating) and other sources. Currently training is provided in regards to business planning, basic bookkeeping, Work Ethics and basic computer skills. Some of these courses offered are currently being accredited via Authentic Life, an organization affiliated to Transformation Mariannridge for this purpose.
Business people are encouraged to participate in the local SMME fairs and to network with medium to large business by attending business seminars.
Attendance of a Work Ethics course is encouraged for business people and their staff as well as the rest of the community to develop an ethical relationship between employers and employees.

Ultimate Goal

To see a financially thriving community as a result of sustained and growing free enterprise.

	Literacy to the Ridge
	27 October 2011

	RidgeCity Financial Statements
	19 November 2010