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The Springboard Academy

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On Thursday 5 April 2018, Terence Knott-Craig from The Springboard Academy answered the following questions:

What does your business do? We exist to encourage and develop young people into entrepreneurship, as well as mentor new business to growth and success. We have a program to assist in determining “career” direction for pupils, students and adults.

How many years have you been in operation? 2
What percentage of your sales is to clients OUTSIDE of Nelson Mandela Bay? 0
Why did you start your business? I believe that my purpose is to develop young people, and my corporate career did not allow for this.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Funding for students being the challenge.
My target market is young people, with the emphasis on disadvantaged people. Their ability to afford the training and interventions is a stumbling block, and companies are looking to score for BBBEE or tax benefit and our company does not offer any of this at present.
True entrepreneurship cannot be measured except by success, and so the training we offer cannot be accredited. Companies and development agencies are focused on training people to find jobs. Our company are driven to create job-creators.
Your biggest success? Unforeseen activities by 3rd parties had put severe stress on the liquidity of a school.
In collaboration with a colleague we mentored this school to recovery and success.
What is the one thing that made you realise being an entrepreneur was the right thing for you? I believe we are all uniquely created for a purpose.
I believe my purpose is to help others (specifically young people) by developing their entrepreneurial skills.
What is your contribution to Nett Employment? 1 Job
Your best advice to other entrepreneurs wanting to take the leap? Stop dreaming and start doing.
Stop doubting and start believing in yourself.
Stop waiting for others to do for you. Find a mentor to walk with you and guide you to do yourself.
Never stop learning.
Always look to make the lives of others better.
What pitfalls must others look out for? Without over-planning, be prepared for any scenario.
Liquidity is one of the biggest cause of business failure. Ensure you have enough working capital.
What skill did you learn along the way that contributed the most to your business and why? Never stop learning and never stop sharing what you know.
This may strengthen competition, but it definitely strengthens the economy and means bigger markets for all.
What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now? Information about starting a small business in ways that is simple.
Compiling this information, creating models and improving training material for the benefit of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Who was your first client and what did you sell to them? I coached a plumbing contractor in KZN, over a period of a year.
How did that first sale come about? I belonged to Network organisation, and the sale came through a referral.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? I love helping others
What inspired you to start your business? Helping young people start a business rather than look for an ever-dwindling availability of sustainable jobs.
I believe that entrepreneurship in young people is the only answer to the problems of Poverty, Inequality and unemployment in our city and country.
How do you advertise your business? I make use of social media.
I have also advertised on radio.
What do you look for in an employee? Their values must mirror mine.
They must love helping others.
Why do customers do repeat business with you? The testimonials I have received seem to indicate my genuine caring for them, not just their business.
How many hours do you work on average per day? 10
Who has been your greatest inspiration? Jesus Christ. His mercy and grace and love for all people, is what I aspire to.
If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask? How will you invest your profits?

Contact The Springboard Academy:

Telephone Number: 082 55 25 340 and 079 497 6408
Address: Port Elizabeth
Web Site: https://www.thespringboard.co.za

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