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Masterclass
Keep an eye out for upcoming events on this page as well as Metropolitan's social media pages
We’re taking our commitment of economically activating South Africa’s youth to new heights. Our Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme is uplifting entrepreneurs between the ages between 18 and 35 with skills to grow and scale their businesses.
Activating
youth
Pietermaritzburg and Manguzi,
You're Next
What is Metropolitan Collective Shapers?
OVERVIEW
Together we can shape passion into success
At Metropolitan we believe that it’s better to live intentionally with others than
it is to live alone. We pride ourselves on being a business that’s there by your
side and actively playing a role in uplifting the communities we serve.
How does it work?
Do you have a business that is:
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Already operating and in need of upskilling to take it to the next level?
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Looking for ways to expand beyond your current revenue stream?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then you could qualify to be a Metropolitan Collective Shaper.
Are you a Collective Shaper?
A Metropolitan Collective Shaper is an entrepreneur at heart. Armed with the self-belief of a business mogul and the spirit of u’Kleva. A Kasipreneur, a Streetpreneur, even. Here’s a youngster who spots a gap and takes it; ever opportunistic, and never without a plan. They don’t see dead ends, they see things all the way to the end, and resilience is a mark of their character. If it doesn’t exist, they’ll innovate and create, build it up and make space for the next. You see, they’ve always been told “vuk’uzenzele”; but something in them says “do it for yourself na bantu bakho.” These are the makers and shapers of communities.
If this is you, this is the perfect opportunity for you
If you are a Metropolitan Collective Shaper, the programme offers you accredited development programmes, events, and small business funding to support the growth and long-term sustainability of their businesses.
All applications will go through a rigorous selection process. To qualify, you must
meet the minimum requirements. These include:
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Permanent South African resident between the ages of 18 and 35.
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Registered and established business that’s operating in the identified sector, for no less than 12 months.
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Submit a short video about your business and what the next level would look like for you.
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Uninterrupted commitment to participate in, and complete the programme.
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Must be a resident in either Pietermaritzburg or Manguzi.
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Submission of requested identity and business compliance documentation.
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Qualifying applicants will be measured through their business outline video.
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Qualifying applicants will form part of the 50 Phase 1 entrepreneurs in the programme.
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Selected participants will be notified via email, and must be ready to commence the programme in August 2024.
Duration: 4 weeks.
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This phase of the programme offers Foundational Competency Training for Entrepreneurship, and includes courses on business finance, staying up to date with technology, and how to be a CEO that can take your business and your people to the next level.
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You also receive basic soft skills training such as Media 101, social media & personal branding, marketing trends analysis, plus tools for improving your personal & business performance.
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Certain modules will be compulsory and will be used to assess entrepreneurs that can progress to Phase 2.
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Access to all the Value ed modular content will be free for 12 months.
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After the 4 week period, oral & attendance assessments will be done to qualify for Phase 2.
Duration: 4 weeks.
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This phase of the programme offers SETA-accredited theory modules
and hands-on application of learnings, all with the help and guidance of
industry experts. -
After the 4 week period, you will submit a portfolio of evidence that
will be assessed to finalise the entrepreneurs that move to the third, and final phase of the programme.
Duration: 12 weeks.
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The last phase in the formal programme will take you through market access workshops and networking opportunities to expand your business.
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Over the period, you’ll receive one-on-one coaching in business, performance, and leadership.
If you believe you have what it takes to be a Metropolitan Collective Shaper, then apply now.
Apply today
Pietermaritzburg and Manguzi it is your turn, We're currently
taking applications from young Pietermaritzburg and Manguzi based business owners operating in the agriculture sector.
If you believe you could be a Metropolitan Collective Shaper or if you know someone who fits the criteria and would like to nominate them, please click on the apply button or share the link with the deserving entrepreneur in mind, to access the application form:
Application criteria
You own a business within
the agriculture industry in
Pietermaritzburg or Manguzi
Your business is registered.
Your business has been in operation for at least 24 months.
Meet our Collective Shapers alumni
Meet our Tshwane Collective Shapers who completed the 2023 food and hospitality services programme. After they graduated, they have now taken their newly found skills and improved their businesses and made a difference in their communities.
