Cape Town’s EO Launches ‘Bootcamp to Boardroom’ Programme for Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneur’s Organisation (EO) in Cape Town that offers peer-to-peer networking opportunities for entrepreneurs across South Africa and the globe has launched a nine-month ‘Bootcamp to Boardroom’ programme to assist local startups. The free programme will offer young entrepreneurs training and mentorship. At the same time, they will get to connect and network with business leaders.

South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen to a shocking 34.4% in Q2 of 2021, which according to Stats SA is the highest rate recorded since the start of the QLFS in 2008. With one in three South Africans looking for a job, something needs to change. SA’s private investment rate may have fallen to its lowest level in four decades but it doesn’t mean we need to stop investing time into start-ups who are looking for a leg up.

The programme is the brainchild of EO Cape Town Chapter President, Julia Finnis-Bedford: “I am passionate about creating transformation and inclusivity within our organisation as well as our country and believe the only way to do this is to start from grassroots level.”

The programme will run in collaboration with EO Diversity Chair, Luvuyo Rani, Over the Rainbow, and impact organisation Further. “In doing this, we will be creating jobs in this country and helping young entrepreneurs help others to grow our economy.”

A non-profit that offers peer-to-peer networking opportunities, EO currently has 198 chapters in 61 countries worldwide. “I think as entrepreneurs we need to give back and share our knowledge with younger businesses in this country and be the change we want to see,” Finnis-Bedford added.

Startups that are interested in applying for the EO Bootcamp to Boardroom programme can do so on the Over the Rainbow website.

Applications are open until 30 September.

To be considered for the programme, startups must show the potential to have a social and economic impact on their communities and following the application process, the selected participants will attend a two-day bootcamp in October 2021.

They will then also attend two monthly workshops and mentorship sessions from November 2021 to April 2022.

The sessions will take place either in-person or virtually, depending on COVID-19 protocols at the time.