LiveWIRE 2019 kicks off

Some of the successful applicants that will take part in Shell LiveWIRE.

Shell LiveWIRE is a global programme which has been running in South Africa since 1995. In order to elevate the impact and sustainability of the programme, Shell teamed up with business incubator Raizcorp in 2014 to transform Shell LiveWIRE from a training programme to a business incubation programme.

The programme offers internationally acclaimed entrepreneurial learning, individual business guidance, access to infrastructure, access to specialists and back-office support.

Ntobeko Mogadime, social investment adviser for Shell says, “Through this flagship youth enterprise development programme we aim to address youth unemployment and poverty in South Africa.”

“Through a hand-up, rather than a hand-out approach, Shell LiveWIRE aids in making small businesses sustainable, scalable and more commercially viable to become strong contenders not only in Shell’s supply chain but to become potential suppliers for other corporates too,” she says.

One of the nine Shell LiveWIRE qualifying candidates from Gauteng, Kgaogela Seloane of Serethi Consulting (Pty) Ltd, says, “I’m really excited to be here for both entrepreneurial and personal development. The programme will give me ongoing support, access to market and the opportunity to think about business differently!”

The programme has also been launched in eMalahleni with four entrepreneurs from the region embarking on the programme.

Says Lindiwe Ngwenya, manager of Raizcorp’s Sandton Prosperator, “As Shell’s preferred enterprise-development partner, we look forward to embarking on this journey with all these talented entrepreneurs and having a meaningful impact on South Africa’s small business sector. It is a privilege to work with a company that is so committed to the development of young entrepreneurs.”