Local start-up financial assistance

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the development of financially and socially sustainable businesses within the local community. While UJ offers extensive non-financial support—such as training, mentorship, and access to resources—direct financial assistance to start-ups is not explicitly provided. Instead, the university focuses on empowering entrepreneurs through capacity-building programmes and facilitating access to potential funding opportunities.

Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD)

UJ’s Enterprise and Supplier Development initiatives aim to enhance the capabilities of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and start-ups, particularly those that are Black-owned. The university provides a range of support services designed to promote sustainability and competitiveness:

• Small Business Enrichment Programme (SBEP): This programme offers comprehensive training to existing business owners and entrepreneurs, covering essential aspects such as strategic management, financial planning, marketing, and operations. The SBEP is structured over 14 weeks and includes 22 lessons aimed at equipping participants with practical skills to develop and manage their businesses effectively. While the programme itself does not offer direct funding, it enhances participants’ capacity to attract investment and manage financial resources efficiently. 
• Donations of Equipment: To support operational needs, UJ donates furniture and office equipment to qualifying SMMEs. This in-kind assistance helps reduce initial capital expenditure for start-ups, allowing them to allocate resources to other critical areas of their business development. 
• Managerial Skills Transfer and Mentorship: Through structured mentorship programmes, experienced professionals provide guidance to emerging entrepreneurs, facilitating knowledge transfer and practical business insights. This mentorship is crucial in helping start-ups navigate challenges and make informed decisions that enhance their sustainability. 
• ICT Development Assistance: Recognising the importance of technology in modern business, UJ assists SMMEs in developing ICT solutions, including interactive website design and user-friendly accounting applications. These tools are vital for improving operational efficiency and competitiveness in the digital economy. 

Enactus UJ Initiatives

UJ’s chapter of Enactus, a global student organisation, launched the Mkhaya Virtual Store in partnership with the Joburg Market’s Opportunity Centre. This platform provides SMMEs with access to online markets, enabling them to showcase and sell their products digitally. While the initiative does not directly fund businesses, it enhances their market reach and visibility, which can attract potential investors and customers, thereby indirectly supporting financial sustainability. 

Facilitating Access to External Funding

Although UJ does not provide direct financial assistance to start-ups, it plays a pivotal role in connecting entrepreneurs with external funding opportunities. Through its extensive network and partnerships, the university offers guidance on accessing grants, loans, and investment from government programmes, private sector initiatives, and non-profit organisations dedicated to supporting small businesses. This facilitation is crucial in helping start-ups secure the necessary capital to launch and grow their enterprises.

In summary, while the University of Johannesburg does not offer direct financial assistance to local start-ups, it provides a robust support system through training, resources, mentorship, and facilitation of funding opportunities. These efforts are designed to empower entrepreneurs, enhance their business acumen, and promote the development of sustainable enterprises within the local community.