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 entrepreneurs.  Through the growth and sustainability of small business, jobs are created and money remains within township communities for longer.  We have four primary strategies for this goal: 

Business Basics

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 two-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.

Business Support Workshops

We believe that business owners can provide support to each other. If their business has lasted several years, they are a minority and have knowledge and wisdom to share with each other. Living Way hosts workshops every two weeks that focuses on creating an environment of support and learning for existing business owners. Discussions are focused on various needs as presented by the group and collectively are addressed. This is a new and exciting way of empowering business owners to be more self-sustainable. True development is happening. 

Agribusiness

Many people from rural areas have left their farmlands to find work in the city. Little do they know that they can provide for their daily nutritional needs on their farm, they can also run it like a business. This course aims to equip people to plant and harvest vegetables and how to manage the business side of a farm. We have over 200m2 of organic vegetable plots on our campus, being managed by members of Living Right support groups.

Enterprise Development

Business is a powerful tool for community upliftment. Through being involved in the startup and initial phase of certain businesses, Living Way can be part of creating jobs and sustainable livelihoods. With the resources and expertise available to Living Way, the learnings can be documented to improve the success rate of spin off businesses, whether independent or franchised.

In 2010, Living Way has two businesses in this programme:
Mzamo Nappy Manufacturing - through funding from the Department of Social Development, a disposable diaper business was relaunched. This has provided an income for 7 ladies from Masiphumelele. This business, however, is not sustainable due to the lack of access to raw materials.
Five Loaves Bakery - through a partnership with a corporate sponsor, Living Way is launching a bakery. This will provide training in baking skills as well as a model production bakery. In the third quarter of 2010, you will smell freshly baked bread on the campus.