The EIP, unique in South Africa, offers early-stage entrepreneurs and established business owners, with business development support, industry exposure, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Khanyisile Kweyama, Anglo American South Africa's executive director commented: "Providing great business opportunities to high potential entrepreneurs allows their companies to become large-scale and meaningful enterprises, which creates new and sustainable jobs.
"Anglo American is pleased to launch the second Entrepreneur Internship Programme, and we are confident that we will be able to replicate the success of the first EIP and see more deserving business people reach their potential and make a positive impact on the South African economy."
Business mentorship during the EIP will be facilitated by coaches from Aurik Business Incubator. The company's CEO, Pavlo Phitidis, believes that the EIP offers a valuable opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs and smaller businesses who are keen to grow.
"South Africa has several promising entrepreneurs with so much promise, but many of them do not have access to the skills, industry knowledge, business networks and support they need to succeed. By developing their core competencies, and offering support and advice, the EIP provides entrepreneurs with a critical stepping stone to growing their own business creating real and sustainable value for our local economy."
Anglo American is calling on applications from within the company and externally, including entrepreneurs who may have already submitted proposals to Anglo American's enterprise development arm Zimele.
Business owners and entrepreneurs who apply will undergo a selection process that includes an entrepreneurial aptitude assessment, one-on-one in-depth interviews, and a face-to-face panel interview.
Throughout the process, Aurik will provide mentorship to the entrepreneurs, which will enable them to put together a business plan to start their new company or expand an existing one. Zimele may after the necessary analysis provide additional funding for those businesses that meet the Anglo American Zimele criteria.
For more information, go to www.angloamerican.com.
