Believe Begin Become

Believe. Begin. Become

(Above) The 2009 Believe Begin Become grand prize winner Thobile Shongwe receiving her award from Bheki Thwala, Director of Youth Affairs in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. (Below) A group photo of the Top 6 Finalists

The fourth edition of the Believe Begin Become business plan competition came to a joyous end on Friday, August 21, 2009 when 16 youth entrepreneurs received seed capital prizes during the final awards ceremony held at House on Fire, Malkerns.

Congratulations to Thobile Shongwe, a teacher by profession, for making history by becoming the first woman to win the grand prize since TechnoServe launched the competition in the country in 2006. She received a start up capital of E100 000 as a reward for her efforts.

Her business, Early Childhood Development English Medium Centre (ECDEM) will be a pre-school and day-care centre providing a caring environment that encourages independence, constructive problem solving, positive self-esteem, and improved self-worth.

E75 000 SEED CAPITAL WINNERS
Sicelo Nene
Sibusiso Mhlanga
Barend Steenkamp
Akhona Fakudze
Nontsikelelo Malindzisa

E30 000 SEED CAPITAL WINNERS
Israel Sithole
Titus Sithole
Nkosinathi Magongo
Derrick Mamba
Mpendulo Shabangu
Zweli Vilakati
Bonginkosi Phakathi
Allen Khumalo
Futhi Magagula
Fayiya Tengbeh

ABOUT BELIEVE BEGIN BECOME

Believe Begin Become is a competitive entrepreneurship development programme implemented by TechnoServe that identifies promising entrepreneurs and assists them in creating scalable and sustainable businesses. Qualifying entrepreneurs receive intensive business training, personal coaching, and assistance in writing compelling business plans as well as the opportunity to interact with a network of entrepreneurs and compete for seed capital prizes.

With the core support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, through the support of the American people, TechnoServe first launched Believe Begin Become in Swaziland in 2006 as a national business plan competition and entrepreneurship development programme. This year, the programme is focusing on a specific target group – youth – with the main aim of assisting entrepreneurs to start and / or grow their own businesses. In partnership with local partners like Standard Bank, ACAT, SNYC, and the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs, Believe Begin Become aims to develop a cadre of high impact, successful young entrepreneurs who will help Swaziland realize its tremendous potential in SME development.