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Call for applications: 2023 Sanlam Bridge Programme now open

Call for applications: 2023 Sanlam Bridge Programme now open

Sanlam Namibia, in collaboration with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, is calling young aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to apply for the 2023 Sanlam Bridge Programme, a launchpad for future business leaders.

This programme is intended for future entrepreneurs who either already have a registered business not older than one year or have a feasible business idea but lack the financial resources they require to grow their business or turn their ideas into reality.

Funded by Sanlam and facilitated by the Investment Board, the programme is intended to empower young citizens with the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to run their businesses and receive the essential seed capital to get them started.

Additional to initially funding the projects and providing mentorship and coaching, Sanlam Bridge is now providing a platform to bridge the gap between businesses/MSMEs and financial institutions like banks, and equity funders, thus making them more attractive for future funding, according to Sanlam.

“For the past few years, we’ve seen a wide variety of businesses coming up due to this programme. Many of these have grown, creating employment for other Namibians. We are once again excited to be able to offer young Namibians the opportunity to turn their business dreams into reality through Sanlam Bridge.” said Laurencia Prinzonsky, Sanlam’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

She added that to ensure more Namibians benefit from the programme, the team will select the top 10 candidates who will participate in a pitch opportunity facilitated by the Investment Board.

As part of the programme, Sanlam annually selects five businesses from across the country, from different industries, each receiving N$50,000 in seed capital coupled with training and mentorship. “All five businesses will automatically benefit from branding masterclasses, financial symposiums, digital boot camps, business support weeks, and the Start Improve Your Business Training Programme,” she said.

An overall winner will be announced by the end of the year to receive an additional N$50,000.

From the left, Mrs Nankelo Amupadhi (Manager: MSME Business Advisory Services), Ms Maria Namukwambi (Consultant: MSME Business Advisory Services), Ms Laurencia Prinzonsky (Marketing and Communications Manager, Sanlam) and Dr Iyaloo Nambuwa, Petwa Medical Practice – Sanlam Bridge recipient 2022.

 

Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to enter their information at: https://forms.gle/UzQ2EzF2W7A7Sio58. Applicants must be willing to participate in the programme facilitated by NIPDB for 6 months. For additional information, interested applicants can contact Laurencia at 061 294 7528 or Maria at 0833338600 or email at [email protected]. The call for applications closes on Monday, 19 June 2023 at midnight.


 

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