2010PLATO GAUTENG MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME01 October 2010The Plato Gauteng Mentorship programme, launched in July 2009, is well under way in the province's 15 municipalities. The programme, aimed at SMME owner-managers, is based on an international model first introduced in Belgium in 1988 and since exported to 14 countries.Plato is a Gauteng Provincial Government project funded by Gauteng Economic Propellor and run in partnership with Voka - East Flanders Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Johannesburg. The Programme offers SMMEs learning opportunities specifically tailored to meet the needs and demands of growing businesses. It provides a platform for SMMEs to learn through access to different experts and to establish a support network where an exchange of experiences, ideas, challenges and issues can take place. In each municipality 15 - 20 SMMEs were selected to participate in the programme. Each group is mentored by a senior executive from the private sector. The mentors volunteer their time at no cost. The Local Economic Development Manager in the municipality coordinates the programme. Recognition of the importance of developing the small business sector as a means of growing the economy prompted Standard Bank's generous appointment of 20 senior business bankers to act as mentors to the SMMEs. The Programme commences with the training of the LED managers and mentors. After the selection of the SMMEs teambuilding exercises follow aimed at breaking down barriers and creating an atmosphere of trust. At the commencement of the training, the SMME groups decide the topics to be covered at each session. During the monthly meetings, the mentors share their professional know-how and arrange access to experts in the different topics and any specific training required by the group. The Plato Programme was successfully piloted in the Plettenberg Bay and Mogale City municipalities where several of the SMME participants have performed exceptionally well. A study by Deloitte in various countries has shown that is the course of its one year duration, Plato has helped SMMEs increase their turnover, decrease their costs and open the doors to more business. A key objective of the Plato Programme is to introduce SMMEs to international trade. In September about 22 of the Gauteng SMMEs will be going on a mission to Belgium to participate in an exhibition and to network with their overseas counterparts. CONTACTS: Joan Warburton-McBride 011 726-5300 or joan@jcci.co.za, Wayne Bateman 011 726-5300 or wayne@jcci.co.za | |
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