The Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development, situated at the UCT Graduate School of Business, is offering 18 -30 year olds who face financial challenges a 6-month, full time course to develop your entrepreneurial ability and communication, leadership and presentations skills. Apply by the 30^th of November 2011 for a life changing experience.

The Raymond Ackerman Academy at UCT was started by Raymond Ackerman and is supported by the Ackerman Family Foundation and the City of Cape Town. The Academy trains people who are aged 18-30 and who lack the time or the money to further their studies, in the basic skills of starting and running a business.

In addition to the business skills, the course teaches important life skills and promotes self-development which, says RAA Director Elli Yiannkaris, are also critical if you want to be successful. "A lot of time is spent developing communication and presentation skills, personal goal setting, time management and leadership skills," she says. "This ensures that our graduates are well rounded people who are full of confidence and energy."

Two opportunities to study each year

The Academy runs two six-month programmes every year at the Cape Town and Soweto Campuses. Interested applicants must have a passion for entrepreneurship, ideas and business. Applicants participate in a selection process including completing an application form, a panel interview and selection workshop. Thirty students are chosen for each programme in Cape Town and sixty students in Soweto.

Course fees are R1400 for the 6 months. Financial assistance is available.

Please see www.ackermanacademy.co.za for more information and to download the application form, or contact 021 406 1422.

Applications for the January 2012 class are open. The deadline is the 30^th of November 2011.

Success Stories

The Academy has enjoyed great successes. Approximately 70% of its graduates have gone on to get work, study further or start their own business. 

RAA graduate businesses include: Township tours, panel beaters, computer sanitizing services, soft furnishings, software development, marketing and promotions, music and entertainment and even a chocolate-making operation, Ezulwini Chocolates.

RAA graduates have also achieved well in entrepreneurship competitions. RAA students were 3^rd place winners in the idea phase of the 2011 City of Cape Town's Entrepreneurship competition and David Mashiyi's business idea came fourth in the 2010 competition. Another RAA student, Vincent Manzini, was a third place winner in the regional finals of the SAB Kickstart competition and other students have been selected for programmes such as the Shanduka Black Umbrellas incubator and Buy Youth -NYDA.

 What the students say

"All I can say for now is just WOW WOW what an awesome experience it was indeed.. .go into this with an open mind and don't be afraid to do your best."

 "It was a fantastic experience! I would do it again in a heartbeat and would encourage any young person interested in business to do it as well."

"These six months has really changed my perspective on a lot of things, including life in general. My confidence levels have shot through the roof; I've learned so much about myself and felt that I grew."

"The course was insightful, enriching and very informative. I have grown during the course and I am proud to say I am a different person now."

"I have had an awesome time; the course far passed my expectations. I learnt a lot and the things I've learnt here are lessons I will take with me and implement in my life and business. Thanks for taking the time to invest in my future."

 

Page Created: 09 November 2011