A Pioneering and Stimulating Environment for Small and Growing Enterprises.
With over 12,000 participants, more than 80 programs run, and over 2,700 trained entrepreneurs whose businesses generate over R3.6 billion in revenue, the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA) stands as a testament to its impactful journey.
Launched in 2012, the GIBS EDA’s remarkable achievements over just over a decade are evident. Over 16,600 people are now in full-time employment as a result of companies that have benefited from its programmes, thus driving the growth and sustainability of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa.
Nurturing an Entrepreneurial Mindset and Attitude: With a national and international presence, the GIBS EDA serves as the epicentre of entrepreneurship education and training, built on the premise that an entrepreneurial mindset and attitude are as crucial as technical skills. This notion gains significant relevance in South Africa, where entrepreneurial activity, despite its potential in economic growth and poverty alleviation, is considered low for a developing nation. The EDA’s primary mission is to make business education accessible, particularly to start-up, micro, and small business entrepreneurs, especially those who have historically been underserved or marginalised. In doing so, our purpose is to help small business owners develop sustainable, efficient enterprises capable of employing more people.
We go beyond theoretical teachings, equipping entrepreneurs with immediately applicable real-world skills. Our training is designed for immediate implementation, ensuring tangible results for investors. Subject matter experts, possessing profound entrepreneurship knowledge and hands-on experience, lead these initiatives, further enhancing entrepreneurs’ empowerment.
Established, reliable figures in both the business and academic communities serve as mentors, with their guidance, experience, and support being invaluable to our entrepreneurs’ success Our initiatives are in harmony with the nation’s longterm goals, envisioning that 90% of new jobs will come from SMMEs by 2030. By partnering with us, companies and stakeholders actively contribute to South Africa’s development.
Shaping the Future of South Africa’s SMMEs:
Over the past decade, we have successfully delivered over 80 programs, proudly partnering with esteemed entities such as J.P. Morgan & Chase, Walmart Foundation, Exxaro, Glencore, Debswana, SITA Aero, SAB Foundation, Hewlett Packard, and Corteva Agriscience. Our programmes have seen over 12,000 entrepreneurs graduate and establish businesses spanning diverse industries, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, information technology, and construction. These businesses are not only positively impacting employment within their communities but are also contributing to our economy’s growth.
The power to shape the future of South Africa’s SMMEs resides in the hands of academies like ours and partnerships with both private and public organizations. By collaborating with the GIBS EDA, you not only invest in business growth but also promote economic development and sustainability. Continuously evolving, the GIBS EDA maintains its commitment to nurturing an environment for small and growing enterprises. It strives to reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit within a culture of innovation and social change. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem for SMMEs, drive job creation, and uplift communities.
For more information, please visit www.gibs.co.za/eda or
email us at info@gibs.co.za.
