iMpumelelo is a South African non-profit organization that provides mentorship, training, and funding to aspiring entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds. The organization aims to empower individuals and communities by helping them create sustainable businesses that can generate income and social impact.

iMpumelelo was founded in 2010 by a group of successful entrepreneurs who wanted to give back to their country and inspire the next generation of business leaders. Since then, iMpumelelo has supported over 500 entrepreneurs across various sectors, such as agriculture, education, health, and technology.

One of the key features of iMpumelelo’s program is the personalized mentorship that each entrepreneur receives from an experienced business coach. The mentors guide the entrepreneurs through the challenges and opportunities of starting and growing a business, as well as provide them with valuable feedback and advice.

Another feature of iMpumelelo’s program is the training that covers essential topics such as business planning, marketing, finance, and legal aspects. The training is delivered through online courses, workshops, and webinars that are tailored to the needs and goals of each entrepreneur.

Finally, iMpumelelo also offers funding opportunities to entrepreneurs who have a viable business idea and a social mission. The funding can range from seed capital to growth capital, depending on the stage and potential of the business. The funding is accompanied by ongoing support and monitoring from iMpumelelo’s team.

iMpumelelo’s impact is evident in the success stories of its alumni, who have created jobs, improved livelihoods, and solved social problems in their communities. Some examples of iMpumelelo’s alumni are:

• Ntombi Moyo, who founded Ntombi’s Kitchen, a catering company that provides healthy and affordable meals to schools and offices in Johannesburg.
• Sipho Mkhwanazi, who founded Sipho’s Solar Solutions, a company that installs solar panels and systems for households and businesses in rural areas.
• Nomfundo Dlamini, who founded Nomfundo’s Academy, a school that offers quality education and extracurricular activities to children from low-income families in Durban.

If you are interested in learning more about iMpumelelo or applying for its program, you can visit its website at https://www.impumelelo.org.za/ or follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

iMpumelelo’s program is open to anyone who has a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to make a positive difference in South Africa. The program is especially designed for entrepreneurs who come from marginalized or underprivileged backgrounds, such as women, youth, people with disabilities, and people from rural areas.

To apply for iMpumelelo’s program, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. You must be at least 18 years old.
3. You must have a business idea or an existing business that has a social or environmental impact.
4. You must be committed to completing the program and following the guidance of your mentor.

If you meet these criteria, you can fill out an online application form on iMpumelelo’s website. The application form will ask you to provide some basic information about yourself and your business idea or existing business. You will also need to upload a short video pitch that explains why you want to join iMpumelelo’s program and how your business will benefit your community.

After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation from iMpumelelo. The organization will review your application and contact you within two weeks to inform you if you have been shortlisted for an interview. The interview will be conducted online or over the phone by one of iMpumelelo’s staff members or mentors. The interview will assess your motivation, potential, and fit for the program.

If you pass the interview, you will be invited to join iMpumelelo’s program and matched with a mentor who will support you throughout your entrepreneurial journey. You will also gain access to iMpumelelo’s online platform, where you can enroll in the training courses, participate in the workshops and webinars, and network with other entrepreneurs and mentors.

The duration of iMpumelelo’s program varies depending on the stage and needs of each entrepreneur. However, the average duration is between six months and one year. During this time, you will work closely with your mentor to develop and implement your business plan, as well as apply for funding opportunities if needed.

By the end of iMpumelelo’s program, you will have gained the skills, knowledge, confidence, and resources to launch or grow your business and achieve your social impact goals. You will also become part of iMpumelelo’s alumni network, where you can continue to receive support and guidance from iMpumelelo and its partners.