It is well known that knowledge breeds success. Enterprise development (ED) initiatives assist individual businesses to render their unique services within their respective business sectors. The advancement of the South African economy is dependent on the development and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures. The role of entrepreneurship is crucial because it serves as a vehicle for decreasing the effects of unemployment and ultimately contributes to the eradication of poverty.

Through their ED initiatives, Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd (Enterprises UP) has carried out many projects over the years. Beneficiaries have enjoyed varying levels of success following the support they received in terms of training programmes and research and advisory services. Enterprises UP's 2016 ED programme assisted three small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) selected from a list of finalists in the Tshwane Economic Development Agency's Youth Entrepreneurship Drive. The programme was intended to contribute towards the growth and sustainability of small businesses. One of the beneficiaries, Kusini Water, has since launched the first phase of its business in Limpopo. Representatives from Kusini Water attended a Brand Identity Development Workshop presented by Enterprises UP that included discussions around brand development, brand positioning and the development of a brand identity.

Kusini Water launched a water bar in rural Limpopo, proving that their concept and technology were useful even in rural areas. Since opening in December 2016, Kusini Water has started to generate revenue and has created awareness of their brand in their area of operation. 'I am so excited and grateful for all the help that Enterprises UP has given me in developing my brand, and I hope we will do the amazing brand identity justice,' says Murendeni Mafumo, Director of Kusini Water.

Visit the following links for more information on CSI and enterprise development projects or our wide range of short courses and research and advisory services.