Johannesburg, 16 February: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is ramping up the roll out of its enterprise development initiatives through a series of speed coaching sessions aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale up, raise capital and create jobs. The online speed coaching is targeting founder-led, entrepreneurial South African businesses in operation for at least two years.

As part of its commitment to address unemployment, economic growth and skill enhancement in South Africa, the JSE will host free online speed coaching events that will provide guidance and tips on how to address some of the major challenges holding SMMEs and entrepreneurs back.

Two experienced coaches will provide their perspectives and guidance on the topics covered. The first topic “Distinguishing and marketing your business” will be hosted on 16 February and 23 March, while the second topic “Financial health and financing of your business” will run between May and July. The third and last topic “Managing a growing business”, will be hosted between September and November 2022. The sessions will enable participants and coaches to engage, as there will be a live question and answer session on the YouTube chat box.

“These sessions are suited for SMMEs that are poised for growth. The companies wishing to participate must be founder-led with an appetite to give back to the South African entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Cleola Kunene, Head of SME development at the JSE.  “Through this programme, the JSE also aims to contribute to the country’s transformation agenda. We have sent out invitations far and wide, hoping to attract companies with racially and gender diverse management teams,” adds Kunene.

The first event will kick off on 16 February from 17:30 to 18:30 in the evening. Interested participants can click here to register.

The speed coaching sessions complement the JSE Enterprise Acceleration Programme that launched last year to help grow companies with a R20 million turnover. With the pilot programme now complete, the nine-month programme has started with a cohort of 12 companies. These companies will be provided with a high quality, high-impact training to help them grow their market share, access funding and improve their competitiveness.

ENDS

ABOUT THE JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history operating as a regulated marketplace for trading listed securities. The JSE is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself as being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent.

The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for over 130 years.

As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates, unlocks value and makes real connections happen.

www.jse.co.za