ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT KITSO
We recognise that people are different and starting a business is not for everyone but we we believe that every single one of our students will get value in learning how businesses are started and operated. Entrepreneurship is a key focus area of the Kitso Gap Year Program because It equips matriculants with practical skills that are difficult to learn in traditional classrooms preparing them to create opportunities for themselves and others. Entrepreneurship is not only important for generating income, but for ensuring that you are economically active and able to support yourself and those close to you.
In a challenging job market, the ability to create your own opportunities can make a significant difference. It is harder to start by yourself with no support, this is why many never succeed. With Kitso you will be surrounded by a group of young South Africans trying to achieve one of the three objectives of the program which are to find a job, study further and start a business.During the the entrepreneurship section of the program we explore how to identify opportunities, come up with business ideas, and test those ideas to see whether they are worth pursuing and can generate a steady stream of income. we also connect students with local small business owners who understand what it means to run a small business in their municipality or community.
Learning from someone with lived experience makes entrepreneurship more practical and realistic. Mentorship plays an important role in entrepreneurship. Having guidance can help shed light on challenges, risks, and decisions that new entrepreneurs often face and we make sure every participant has access to that support.
How developing your entrepreneurship skills will help you
You can use the skills you gain from our entrepreneurship projects to generate an income during your gap year, your studies or even to run side hustles after you find a job.
Responsibility & Independence
Being responsible for a project or business requires you to manage time, make decisions, and follow through on commitments skills that transfer to every area of life.
Confidence & Resilience
Entrepreneurship involves taking risks and sometimes failing. Learning to face challenges and recover from setbacks builds the confidence and resilience that employers and life demand.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Starting a business teaches you how to identify problems and find solutions, strengthening critical thinking, creativity, and resourcefulness in real-world situations.
Networking & Relationship Building
Running a business helps you build relationships that can you throughout your whole career by connecting you with customers, suppliers, mentors, and peers.
Financial Literacy
Managing money, budgeting, and understanding profit and loss gives you real-world financial skills that are going to be valuable in your personal life and any career path you choose.