Sanlam and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) will empower upcoming entrepreneurs with a bridging program that aims to provide training and startup capital.
The Bridge Program serves as a launchpad for aspiring business leaders in Namibia, offering them the necessary support to turn their business dreams into reality.
The program is designed for individuals who either have a registered business younger than one year or possess a viable business idea but lack the financial resources to grow.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed a wide variety of businesses emerging as a result of this program. Many of them have gone on to grow and create employment opportunities for other Namibians. As Sanlam, we are once again excited to offer young Namibians the opportunity to turn their business dreams into reality through the Sanlam Bridge,” said Laurencia Prinzonsky, Sanlam’s Marketing and Communications Manager.
“To ensure more Namibians benefit from the program, the team will select the top 10 candidates who will participate in a pitch opportunity facilitated by NIPDB.”
Funded by Sanlam and facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB), the Sanlam Bridge Program offers young Namibians a unique opportunity to acquire essential skills for running a business and secure vital seed capital to kickstart their ventures.
“Each year, Sanlam selects five businesses from diverse industries across the country, providing them with N$50,000.00 in seed capital, along with comprehensive training and mentorship. Additionally, all five chosen businesses will automatically benefit from NIPDB’s MSME incentives, including Branding Masterclasses, Financial Symposiums, Digital Bootcamps, Business Support Weeks, and the Start Improve Your Business Training Program,” she added.
The NIPDB will be responsible for coordinating the pitch competition, including pitch training and the development of evaluation criteria.
To ensure broader participation and impact, the program’s selection process involves identifying the top ten candidates who will engage in a pitch competition organized by NIPDB.
The NIPDB will oversee various aspects of the competition, including pitch training and the development of evaluation criteria.”
