11. The Branson School of Entrepreneurship.

Information About the Richard Branson School of Entrepreneurship

When the Branson School was launched in October 2005, it was the first time, anywhere in the world; Sir Richard Branson lent his personal name to a project.

Virgin Unite (Virgin’s charity group) has teamed up with social entrepreneur Taddy Bletcher, founder of CIDA, South Africa’s first virtually-free institution, to create the school, which is an intensive 18-month training program for CIDA graduates that aims to launch 30 small businesses each year.

A report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor in 2007 shows that South Africa’s economic growth is under threat because of a shortage of new entrepreneurs.

The Branson School of Entrepreneurship works to:

Identify and nurture individuals with entrepreneurial potential
Develop potential entrepreneurs in a practical, relevant and holistic way
Provide students with real-world business skills and mentorship
Promote entrepreneurship as a desirable career option and
Support start-ups and micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, services, networks and finance arrangements

Here students get their business plans ready for launch upon graduation. They have a virtual office, with a desk, computer, telephone, internet access, as well as a meeting room and boardroom facilities. They receive coaching and mentoring and are given exposure to successful local and international entrepreneurs. (In fact, the Maverick Business Adventure members are going to be working directly with students shortly.)