Pedal power to kick-start young entrepreneurs' businesses

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - Eight entrepreneurs from George and Uniondale will soon set their brand-new businesses in motion on the seat of a bicycle.

The youngsters attended an official handover ceremony by George Municipality and the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works on Thursday 9 June at the Workers Collection Point in George.

One hundred bicycles have been donated for this project, which aims to promote sustainable social and economic empowerment through pedal power.

Of the 100 bicycles, 25 will be used by the Department of Community Services and the rest have been divided between the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The bicycles remain the property of George Municipality.

The three candidates from George are Onke Majomboz and Nomzamo Entile of Thembalethu, and Gustaviano Appels of Borcherds. The five entrepreneurs from Uniondale are Feroza Stanfliet, Tabitna Staines, Jerome Solomons, Elridge Vaaltyn and Nadia Lottering.

PHOTO GALLERY: Bicycles handed over for new businesses

Jerome Solomons plans to start a delivery business with his allocated 15 bicycles, focusing on delivering pharmaceutical goods and groceries to people with disabilities and elderly residents of Uniondale.

Nomzamo Entile of Thembalethu is part of an organisation called Explore Our Hood, which focuses on township tourism. She plans to add bicycles tours to their presentation and will receive 15 bicycles.

Gustaviano Appels of Borcherds is a well-known entrepreneur who, as a Grade 11 learner, started The Bread of Life soup kitchen in 2020 during Covid lockdown. He was the runner-up in the National Teachers' Awards in the category National Learner last year, as head boy of Parkdene Secondary School. He now plans a food courier business.

"I also want to train children to ride bicycles and learn about road safety. In addition I want to use the bicycles to expand my baking business," said Appels. He will receive ten bicycles for his business.

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The process

George Municipality requested proposals from entrepreneurs in the George, Wilderness and Uniondale areas. They had to come up with innovative ideas on how to use the bicycles as an empowerment tool in their communities.

The recipients were identified after a vigorous process. They will receive training from the municipality in collaboration with Seda, with a focus on various aspects that include financial skills, strategic thinking and customer service skills.

Director of Community Services Allen Paulse said exciting things are happening in George. "By bicycle it is possible to reach some places more easily than with a motor vehicle," he said.

"The municipality will utilise the bicycles in the CBD and at the beaches to patrol areas, to clean the bins and do whatever is necessary to protect visitors during the bumper season. I was fighting for these bicycles like nothing else!"

Portfolio Councillor Dirk Wessels said he is incredibly proud of all the young entrepreneurs who came through. "This can be the start of a sustainable city for George," he said.

VIDEO: Young entrepeneurs in George talk about their 'bicycle businesses'

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The eight entrepreneurs on their bikes: Feroza Stanfliet (Uniondale), Nomzamo Entile (Thembalethu), Tabitna Staines (Uniondale), Gustaviano Appels (Borcherds), Jerome Solomons (Uniondale), Elridge Vaaltyn (Uniondale), Onke Majomboz (Thembalethu) and Nadia Lottering (Uniondale).

Representatives of George Municipality, Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works and the beneficiaries of the bicycles. Photos & Videos: Michelle Pienaar