Finfind gets involved with emerging leaders for a new take on tomorrow  

More often than not, the key to successful entrepreneurship isn’t about who has the best idea, marketing plan or startup investment. The key is recognising and supporting potential. That is exactly what the South Africa Challenge, a leadership, personal development and cultural exchange programme for emerging entrepreneurial leaders does - and since 2012 the organisation has been doing it right on our very shores.

Recently taking place in Durban, the unforgettable two-week personal development and leadership course incorporated candidates from the UK, Belgium, Thailand, India, Mauritius, Mozambique, Slovakia and South Africa. Taking part in an array of challenges that have historically seen them push the boundaries on everything from unemployment and lack of career guidance in schools, entrepreneurship skills development, Java programming training, the stigma and misinformation around autism, and accessibility to safe drinking water, these young pioneers were given the chance to develop their already astounding leadership capacity, and research and test solutions for societal challenges that they are truly passionate about tackling.

The Challenge has been a resounding success, thanks to the keen interest and participation of inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders from all facets of the South African business landscape, including Darlene Menzies(CEO of Finfind), who has been hosting a masterclass for the Challenge since it began in 2012. From a leadership and transformation perspective, Menzies shared her wealth of knowledge on creating a sustainable business, and also gave some deep insights into her journey and the life-changing lessons she has learnt along the way. The Challenge is designed in such a way as to share inspiring ideas in order to build the self-awareness of tomorrow’s leaders, while giving them the opportunity to exchange knowledge and spark brand new ways of thinking, as well as fostering relationships that will prove pivotal along their entrepreneurship journey.

Finfind, a one-stop solution that aggregates all funding offerings available to SMMEs, with more than 530 finance products offered by 270 lenders, has always been passionate about seeking out alternative approaches to funding small businesses in the African context. For Menzies, being involved in an initiative such as this drives home the necessity for an educational and support platform from which entrepreneurship can grow, and become sustainable and economically viable for all stakeholders. This year was especially meaningful for Menzies as some of the topics discussed included improving entrepreneurship and business skills, teaching skills for the 4th Industrial Revolution and empowering the homeless – all areas that are important to the Finfind team.

Other speakers on the day included AJ Venter, ex Springbok rugby player who spoke on how sport can be used to teach life skills, Bongiwe Beja from YES who spoke about tackling youth unemployment, Zama Magoso from SUBZ Pads and Project Dignity, discussing the topics of period poverty and teenage pregnancy, and the inspirational Cindy Norcott from The Robin Hood Foundation, who shared some of the myriad projects that the Foundation is involved with.

What the South Africa Challenge ultimately does for the selected candidates is highlight the opportunities created by economic and community development, which essentially are the roots from which their practical, real-life leadership opportunities can grow. As one participant put it, “Always be willing to adapt according to the situation you find yourself in. Plan A doesn’t always work and fit the bill, but there is always a plan B available, you just have to push yourself sometimes.”

To read more about the South African Challenge visit https://www.southafricachallenge.co.uk/  

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About Finfind

Finfind is SA’s leading access to finance solution for SMMEs. It’s an innovative online platform linking finance seekers with matching funders, providing easy access to more than 270 lenders and 530 funding options. Go to www.finfind.co.za to find the business finance you need, it’s free and easy to use.     

Issued By:The Lime Envelope
On Behalf Of: Finfind
For Media Information: Bronwyn Levy
Telephone:011 467 9233
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