Rural entrepreneurs to REAP the benefits: Raizcorp programme enters its third year

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park has once again awarded Raizcorp the contract to roll out an extensive learning and guiding programme to entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs within the Park and surrounds. This is Raizcorp's third rollout of REAP – its proprietary Rural Enterprise Accelerator Programme.

Aspiring and existing business owners draw benefit

REAP’s target is both business owners, as well as people wishing to become business owners, living and working in rural communities. REAP is designed to ensure maximum local economic development with minimal infrastructural investment. In 2012, Raizcorp will run programmes for 40 beneficiaries from the first two rollouts, as well as 70 selected existing entrepreneurs. Raizcorp looks forward to once again being able to impact in the rural space!

Innovation to suit the educational context: narrative tools to enhance personal development

Having successfully rolled out two REAP programmes in the past, Raizcorp has recognised that, no matter how much business skills one throws at entrepreneurs (or potential entrepreneurs), until they 'know themselves' there is little chance that they will succeed in the ways they desire. For this reason, personal development continues to play a key role in all Raizcorp Learning. 

In the rural context, for the next REAP programme which starts at the end of July, Raizcorp will be piloting the use of narrative (story-telling) to empower participants to look carefully at what is preventing them from succeeding, and then to begin creating new 'future stories' of success and wealth. Because story-telling is a natural and trusted medium, within the rural environment, it is hoped that facilitation, through story-telling, will allow participants to open up more easily, and begin trusting not only themselves but their fellow entrepreneurs as well. In this way, they will be led to a space where they can begin to take individual and community responsibility for 'Prosperation'! 

Maintaining a focus on business skills

While the emphasis on personal development will be maintained throughout the programme, Raizcorp will not neglect to provide participants with all the business skills required to either start a business, or take existing businesses to the next level. With topics such as 'What's out there?', 'Who will buy from me?' and 'What makes you special', there is little doubt that Raizcorp's impact in St. Lucia will be felt!