Old Mutual fosters entrepreneurs

The Old Mutual Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Lab, will launch the second run of the Old Mutual Sustainable, Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED) programme in Rundu, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Mariental.The foundation plans to roll out N$300 000 this year for business growth within the towns – with Walvis Bay and Swakopmund categorised as one town for the competition.The towns have been strategically selected to foster entrepreneurship, create value within local communities, and address the United Nations&#039; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Sustainable businessOfficially launched last year, OM SEED aims to support grassroots entrepreneurs by providing the necessary resources to establish inclusive and sustainable businesses that contribute to job creation and skills development across Namibia. The foundation empowers aspiring entrepreneurs through capital and incubation support to aid them in realising their full potential. OM SEED hopes to empower 42 entrepreneurs countrywide by the end of 2025.Old Mutual Namibia&#039;s marketing, public affairs and sustainability executive, Mignon du Preez, said the Old Mutual Foundation will officially kick off the 2023 OM SEED programme from 3 July to 17 July. "Application forms will be available at our Old Mutual branches in the participating towns, as well as on our website. We look forward to seeing how our grassroots entrepreneurs assist in addressing one of the SDGs, especially with less than seven years left before we are expected to achieve them," she said. "As part of the selection process, a team from the Old Mutual Foundation will visit the businesses of the ten shortlisted entrepreneurs in August 2023. Through careful evaluation and assessment, the top three candidates in each town will be identified as the winners who will receive financial support and incubation assistance," Du Preez added.Big prizes Three winners will be selected from each town. The first-place winners will walk away with N$50 000. Second-place winners will pocket N$30 000, while third-place winners will scoop N$20 000."The overall impact of OM SEED will extend to nine entrepreneurs, with a total funding allocation of N$300 000. These grants will play a pivotal role as catalysts, empowering the winners to scale their businesses, generate more employment opportunities, and make substantial contributions to the economic growth and development of Namibia," Du Preez said.The foundation invites all aspiring entrepreneurs in Rundu, Swakopmund/Walvis Bay, Mariental, and the surrounding areas to seize this opportunity and submit their applications.

Old Mutual fosters entrepreneurs

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Old Mutual fosters entrepreneurs

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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