AN opening has emerged for up to 30 vocational students to receive incubation and investment in the form of grants to take their businesses to the next level.
This will be facilitated by GIZ Namibia and entrepreneurship launcher, Dololo, under a programme called ‘Make it’.
Making the announcement yesterday, the project’s lead, Meike Neitz, said the initiative aims to increase opportunities for vocational entrepreneurial activities in Namibia. She said the programme will include three phases, combining in-person training and development, as well as an online component, and financial support over a period of six months.
This, according to operations manager at Dololo, Chantal Claassen, is expected to add real value to vocational-based businesses and to identify real products that show the potential to go to the market.
“We’re all about hosting interactive programmes with a learner-centred design approach focusing on individual business growth,” said Claassen.
The two officials said nationwide applications opened on 17 June and will run until 8 July, with the goal to reach as many eligible applicants as possible. A jury will then carefully select the candidates, and programme will start end of July to last for six months.
Applicants will be directed to an online assessment application to complete basic information. Artisans, entrepreneurs and business owners who have an existing product and are interested in applying can apply online at www.dololo.io/makeit-provet.
To take part in the programme, applicants are required to have completed some form of Vocational Training or Certification, be active in the manufacturing sector, and show initial business traction with a minimum viable product.
The application will not be limited to specific regions or towns. Applicants, however, need to have a suitable internet connection and need to be able to travel to Windhoek for in-person bootcamps to make the most of the opportunity.
Email: bottomline@namibian.com.na
