17 February 2022 – Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA) youth empowerment programme, Bizniz in a Box, has completed an extensive rebranding exercise in response to the changing needs of South African entrepreneurs. At the heart of this rebranding exercise is a change of name from Bizniz in a Box to Box2Boss, giving a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship at a time when our country needs it the most.
With unemployment at an all-time high, rising to 34.9% in the third quarter of 2021 and youth unemployment rate just below 66%, there is a need to tap into the spirit of entrepreneurship that has always been a feature of South African society and a way of life for many.
To design the best programme for the current entrepreneurial landscape, CCBSA reviewed the data of the initial round of participants. Based on the previous Bizniz in a Box participants. The results showed a shift in need from that of youth empowerment to women and experienced entrepreneurs who seek specific support across varying chapters of their business ventures.
“The Box2Boss rebranding process speaks to information we gathered on the ground from talking to entrepreneurs and we believe this will be a better solution for the entrepreneurs of 2022. We need to be responsive and in tune with what our communities are asking for. It is by no means a handout but rather, support that will enable them to create their own livelihoods and be moved to the next level,” says Nozicelo Ngcobo, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa.
For the last 7 years CCBSA’s Bizniz in a box has contributed meaningfully towards reducing youth unemployment by partnering with both national and provincial government, local municipalities; development finance institutions. These partnerships have enabled entrepreneurs to develop business, improve their skills, access capital, to improve supply chain development and inspire hope. To date the initiative has trained over 700 entrepreneurs.
“Through our longstanding relationships with our beneficiaries we realised that establishing a business isn’t the end goal. We want to help them to take it one step further and grow it to a point where they empower others” adds Ngcobo.
To be considered to participate in the Box2Boss programme, candidates must be 24 years and older, have at least one year of entrepreneurial experience, and they must be an active member of the community. Ideally each applicant’s business should address the needs of the local community such as convenience stores, fast foods stores, car washes and tshisanyamas.
Box2Boss is dedicated to investing in and uplifting the township economy, therefore, supporting the country’s development agenda. It is designed to transform aspirant entrepreneurs into fully fledged businesspeople who can build businesses, create jobs, and provide a livelihood for themselves and others.
“By helping and supporting one entrepreneur at a time, we believe Box2Boss will help enable, empower and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build a brighter future for themselves and the communities around them. We can’t wait to take the applicants for 2022 from Box to Boss,” concludes Ngcobo.
For any further information send your queries to Box2Boss@ccbagroup.com
ENDS
About CCBSA
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is a proudly South African company which began operating as a legal entity in July 2016, after the merger of six non-alcoholic ready to drink bottling operations. We are level 1 B-BBEE empowered company. We employ over 7000 people at 13 manufacturing facilities across the country. As a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) and a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company, our vision is to refresh Africa every day and make our continent a better place for all. We manufacture and distribute Coca-Cola beverages that make life’s everyday moments more enjoyable, while doing business the right way. The result is shared opportunity for our customers, our employees, our communities, and our shareholders. We conduct our business ethically, transparently, and conscientiously. We espouse an inclusive business culture to reflect our African identity. We accelerate sustainable, profitable revenue growth across all categories and offer an innovative portfolio of products that respond to customer needs and consumer preferences. Profitability is important, but not at any cost. People matter. Our planet matters. We do business the right way by following our values and partnering for solutions that benefit us all.
