
What We Do

The core of the Socionext programme is a learning-by-doing process for starting a business using just the resources you have access to.
The core of the Socionext programme is a learning-by-doing process for starting a business using just the resources you have access to.
In the 5-day Activation workshop, participants:
- Generate business ideas that solve local problems or needs
- Create business models using easy-to-use visual tools
- Test their business models with real customers using only the resources they already have access to
- Improve their models based on what they learn from customer feedback
- Make actual sales
All in 5-days!
At the heart of the model we use is the idea that entrepreneurs in low resource communities can start a business and earn income using only the resources they have available to them.
We do not provide grants and other financial support to participants in the Activation program. We only do this at the Acceleration Program stage.
We find that providing grants too early often creates a dependency, which is counterproductive to the entrepreneur’s personal and business growth.
This experience is deeply empowering for participants.
They break through their comfort zones and dismantle self-limiting beliefs about entrepreneurship and what they believe they are capable, or incapable of achieving.
Our experience is that South Africa’s youth are incredibly resourceful and innovative. The program helps these qualities shine by giving participants the tools and skills to unlock their own entrepreneurial potential.

This is what participants say about the impact of the 5-day workshop on their lives

The Socionext programme has impacted my life so greatly. It shifted me from the comfort zone position to working for myself. I was able to look within me and create something out of myself. I don’t need someone to offer me anything, but I had to look within me
Corretta Kubayi – Participant - Thulamahashe, MP

After the 5-day workshop I was no longer stressed about being unemployed. They made me believe that I can beat this unemployment, and I can employ more of the youth and encourage them to start like I did with Socionext.
Thato Mongale – Participant - Vryburg, NW

Before I was under the mindset of 'okay I'm looking for funding and the government must fund me so that I can build this and build that'. With Socionext it helped to say okay, even if you are down here in rural Acornhoek, you can do something with nothing by just applying your knowledge and your skills
Jimmy Nyathi – Participant – Acornhoek, MP

The Socionext programme made me see life in a different form.
Boago Percival Chai – Participant - Ganyesa, NW

Nowadays a lot of us wait for funding, we write business plans. Socionext taught me that you don't need anyone to approve. If you're passionate about it then you have to do it. I realized that there is no help that comes from the outside. I have to help myself.
Khayelihle Nyoni - Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga

Ever since I attended the Socionext workshop I developed that mindset that I can do it, from the little that I have, it can become something big
Mukelisiwe Manqele - Omusa Creations

Socionext came at a good time for me. The hope just came from nowhere. They said, there is no business plan, just with an idea, let's work on it. If Socionext didn't teach me, this business wouldn't be here
Siyabonga Bashe - Ntomb'omxhosa Lounge Tshisinyama

Socionext makes you say 'life is not all about looking for a job'. Socionext changed the mindset from being a job hunter to being a job creator. I'm so proud to say that Socionext has given me this opportunity. And they were able to train us that don't feel afraid should you feel you are failing. It's meant for you to improve from where you've failed. And be the kind of person you're dreaming of in life.
Peneulle Mpanza - Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga

I saw that I was not working and there were no jobs, so I started a business and it is better to make a living through the market. With this money from the market, I support my nephews and grandchildren.
If you attend the Socionext workshop, I saw with me personally, it helped me a lot. You are able to give your customers great service, you sell well and are able to manage your money, be independent and determined to make the business succeed no matter what.
Maria Nkuna - Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga

Socionext, when they came to us I was a bit skeptical like... You guys want us to start with nothing? I think it was 3 days into the training I realized that, why do you say you have nothing? You've got a clipper, you can use that clipper and become something.
Sometimes you need that push that I got from Socionext to trust yourself, you need to believe in yourself. Take what you have and make something of it
Jonathan Ruiters - Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

The programme helped me to understand my customers. To understand what they want and how I can offer this
Bongani Platyi – Participant - Gonubie, EC

The biggest change was learning how you need what you have already to start a business. Not what you don’t. That helped us a lot because we were focusing on sponsorships rather than what we have already to help us
Lehlogonolo Chiloane – Participant - Acornhoek, MP

Before the programme I was narrow minded, I was discouraged, I was hopeless. The programme gave me hope, it opened my mind
Lebogang Selebogo – Participant - Vryburg, NW

I have learned that you have to be patient and have a love for what you do. If you want something you have to go for it. Rather than waiting for someone to do something for you have to do it for yourself.
Eunice Mohlala – Participant - Acornhoek, MP

Before I was not focused. I was not saving anything I was just working week to week. After the programme I started to change. To save money and be focused on growing my business