Entrepreneurs are essential for the reduction of unemployment. In the creation and expansion of small businesses, jobs are formed that did not previously exist. It is for this reason that Living Way is engaging with prospective entrepreneurs. Our goal is to develop entrepreneurs and provide the tools necessary to create and grow their businesses. We support existing small businesses in order for them to become more sustainable and possibly expand to employ more people.

In order to develop entrepreneurs effectively, we have three core ingredients: training, mentoring and group support.

Training

Many people with good business ideas fall by the wayside because of lack of knowledge regarding the business world. Many dreams are abandoned because appropriate structures are not in place to support the new venture. Living Way provides a three-phase training programme for entrepreneurs so that they may possess the knowledge and the tools to take their business from a dream to reality. Part of this process focuses on the viability of the project, the development of a business plan, how to budget effectively, and market research, amongst other critical concepts. The training is based on sound research and is adapted to each entrepreneur being trained.

An exciting opportunity is that all students on the Living Way Campus will be going through Phase 1 of the Entrepreneur Training.  This will give people the chance to uncover their entrepreneurial potential. 

Mentoring

In order for the concepts discussed in training to fully sink in, the entrepreneur must implement them, reflect on them, and adjust them to his or her own context. Mentoring provides this opportunity. Through regular meetings with experienced businesspeople, each entrepreneur will receive sound advice and bounce ideas off someone who has been through the processes of developing a new business. It also gives Living Way the opportunity to hear an experienced businessperson's input regarding the feasibility of the business or expansion. This mentoring program provides an opportunity for both the entrepreneur and the businessperson: many businesspeople reach a place where they want to move from success to significance. This is their chance. By mentoring a budding entrepreneur, one's skills and experience can be used in a very practical way to empower someone. Click here for more information on how to become a mentor.

Group Support and Workshops

We believe that entrepreneurs can provide support to each other. Through follow up meetings and workshops, they will be able to discuss and solve different issues that they have been facing in their new businesses. Through the group structure, entrepreneurs will learn from each others' mistakes and successes. Group discussions will also ensure that learning from the training is being implemented.  Workshops focus on relevant needs within the group.

Meet the Entrepreneurs

It is our privilege to introduce Living Way’s entrepreneurial team. These innovative individuals have completed our training program and are involved in a support group designed to encourage and educate each other. Each entrepreneur is determined to accomplish their dream of running their own business and uplifting their local community.

To view our September 2008 Entrepreneur profiles, click here.
To view our April 2008 Entrepreneur profiles, click here.