KBL's Kick-start Bounces Back
Phatsimo Kapeng | Monday May 20, 2019 14:24
A total of 15 upcoming and existing entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 would get an opportunity to get a grant of up to P200, 000 each, including business coaching and monitoring.
The programme was re-launched last week with KBL managing director, Brenno Diaz stating that Kick-start was a culmination of a realisation that government alone cannot provide ‘limitless’ opportunities for the youth.
“The youth are the heartbeat of the nation. We cannot continue to neglect them and through kick start initiative we give them an opportunity and provide solutions,” said Diaz.
Diaz also applauded the government for initiating programmes that give young people leverage in a world that is becoming increasingly becoming competitive.
“I applaud the government for its tireless works to help its youth enter the world of business and also participate in economy,” said Diaz.
Since its inception, a wide spectrum of youth-owned initiatives, businesses and projects that play a significant role in the economy of Botswana and creating the much needed employment, were established through Kick-start..
Past beneficiary of the programme and Kick-start ambassador, Wapula Matshamabane who has ventured in the aviation, hospitality and tourism industry testified about the importance of the KBL underpinned initiative.
“As I stand before you today my company is recognised internationally, it has been awarded an international tourism award in Spain,” Matshambane said. The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Bogolo Kenewendo commended KBL for their continued commitment and partnership with the government. “Given that our budget as a ministry is quite limited it is of great pleasure to be establishing such partnerships that will help develop SMMEs sector in Botswana, which is a sector that is an engine of growth that can help us reach our goals of job creation, poverty alleviation and wealth creation,” she said.
Kenewendo said the programme addresses the challenges that entrepreneurs normally face, mostly financial strains and mentorship.
“In addition to everything there will be a gender balance which 60% female and 40% male. Going forth we are working on a campaign that will reach far and wide to every youth citizen that can benefit from this initiative,” she said.