Search for aspiring entrepreneurs continues

The Raymond Ackerman Academy seeks aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking for an opportunity to improve their business and life skills. If you think you have what it takes read on to find out more about this exciting opportunity.

The Academy offers a 6 month, full time UCT short course in entrepreneurial development. It promises to be great opportunity where students will experience classroom learning, practical experience, guest speakers, innovative business idea development and personal development interventions.

Requirements

•Age: 18 – 30
• Experiencing financial, social or academic challenges
• Matric (although this is looked at on a case by case basis if no certificate)
• Must have an interest in business (not necessary to have their own business)
• No previous tertiary qualifications

The Deadline for applications is the 30th of May 2012 The application can be accessed on the Raymond Ackerman Academy website

Graduate Achievements

Our 2012 Alumni survey showed that 80% of our contactable graduates are either working, studying or have their own business (approx. 80% of graduates were contactable).

Other achievements include

Regional and national winners in the 2011 SAB Kickstart Competition (including the winner of the people’s choice award), as well as a finalist in the City of Cape Town Entrepreneurship Competition (Idea Phase).

Palesa Moeketsi (Jan 2011) was named the 2012 Provincial Winner in the SEDA Stars Small Business Competition.

Abigail Florence (Jan 2010) was chosen for the Young Entrepreneurs Programme where students spend 6 weeks on an internship in the USA.

Jan Lewin (Jan 2010) is in her 2nd year of studies at UCT and made it onto the Dean’s merit list last year – she also won two class medals.

Sithembiso Ntombela (July 2005) is running his own production company and is currently shooting all the background footage for the ‘Big Break’ reality show.

Rafiqah Cornelius (July 2005) is working at FNB Hout Bay as a Foreign Exchange Specialist. She completed her certificate in Banking Services and Advice.

Owami Hadebe (Jan 2006) is currently working, studying and running her own business. She is working full time for Discovery. Studying for a Bcom Industrial Psychology through Unisa, and employs 2 people in a cleaning services business.

Luvuyo Gaji (July 2008) is running the Rainbow Arts Organisation that helps train performing artists in the Delft area. They put on regular performances (including one at the Baxter).

Graduate Comments

“It is the best course ever; it opened my mind to see the broader picture of life”.
“Well rounded, touches on everything essential in business; develops individuals and provides a good support base”.
“When I came to the RAA everything I knew about business was self-taught. Now I can confidently say that I have been taught to do business properly”.
“All I can say for now is just WOW WOW what an awesome experience it was indeed.. .go into this with an open mind and don’t be afraid to do your best”.
“It was a fantastic experience! I would do it again in a heartbeat and would encourage any young person interested in business to do it as well”.
“The course was insightful, enriching and very informative. I have grown during the course and I am proud to say I am a different person now”.