Sithabe African Crafts, Cape Town
Sithabe was created two years ago by a sophisticated and internationally operating African woman entrepreneur who feels passionate about beautiful décor and about supporting African women who create livelihoods by making these products.
Sithabe offers up market African products including ceramics, Ndebele beaded dolls and fashion accessories as well as a range of corporate gift products such as carry and wine bags, Ndebele beading, branded bowls, logo candles, targeting a sophisticated clientele. Nala - Partners have supported Sithabe for two years with business start -up and now during its growth phase.
More information
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Jozikids
In January 2007 Merle Diedrich enrolled in our portfolio. As a teacher and mother of two young children, Merle lacked information about family-friendly services in Greater Johannesburg. There was little, and so Merle developed the concept of Jozikids, an internet-based directory for parents and teachers in the Greater Johannesburg region.
Merle combines high professional standards with a most engaging personality. Her business idea presentation convinced us to support the start - up of Jozikids. We feel confident about the growth potential of her company. Beginning of April Jozikids went live.
Nala Partners have been supporting Jozikids with strategy and financial planning in the seed and start-up phase.
For more information on what is going on for families in Johannesburg see
www.jozikids.co.za
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The Nkosinathi Women's Farming Co-Operative
rural farming empowers women to start their own business thus uplifting their community
We helped this cooperative of mostly women farmers who are cultivating 20 hectares of farmland to write a business plan. We received funding from donors in Germany for this first step of support. We helped to write proposals, which have been submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry and to regional agricultural associations. We continue to seek funding support.
More information [PDF]
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Nomthunzi Township Tours
Nomthunzi Township was founded four years ago by Charlotte Swartbooi taking visitors from all over the world on a walking tour through Masiphumelele. This community is safe and open to dialogue with visitors. Nala - Partners are working with Nomthunzi to expand its programm with new sites. We are also assisting Charlotte with the develoment of marketing material and with business maangement training.
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Sisters of Africa / imcosa, pty
Two South African women of mixed race, both well entrenched in their business careers had achieved a leading position in beach volleyball in SA. They dreamed of taking part in the Olympic Games in Athens 2004.
From early 2003 until August 2004, Nala - Partners provided extensive strategic planning, financial sponsoring and regular team mentoring support. We started with helping the team formulate their vision. The strategy development support included formulating objectives and the development of a detailed action plan as well as extensive personal mentoring. The Sisters of Africa reached their goal, marching proudly behind the South African flag into the Olympic stadium in Athens. One of the partners has become a successful entrepreneur since then, starting her own consulting business and employing four to date. Nala - Partners have provided ongoing mentoring support.
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Vetkoek Factory, cc
Vetkoek Factory, cc created its first business, the Vetkoek Factory in 2003. Over the past three years six jobs were created establishing the business as an eat - in / take out place, offering popular deep fried pastry that can be filled to choice with a variety of vegetarian or meat / poultry, curry etc. pre-cooked fillings.
The Vetkoek Factory was created by a successful community organizer with a post graduate degree in Psychology, and being supported by her partner, an experienced business manager. The Vetkoek Factory will be sold this year in order to allow the founder with the start - up of her second business, a funeral home offering jobs for women and providing berievement counseling and family support services - a social entrepreneurship venture.
Nala - Partners has been supporting Vetkoek Factory, cc with business planning, mentoring and start-up financing (loan and grant) consisting of equipment and cash.
