Heineken Beverage celebrates history of entrepreneurship

Heineken Beverage proudly announces the continuation of its Green Seeds entrepreneurship program, an integral part of the Brew a Better World sustainability initiative. Founded in 1864 by entrepreneur Gerald Heineken, the company has honored its entrepreneurial roots and continues to demonstrate social impact through growing communities and fostering entrepreneurship.

Millicent Maroga, Director of Corporate Affairs at Heineken Beverages, emphasized the importance of supporting entrepreneurs within the community. “Heineken believes that small and medium-sized businesses hold the key to unlocking our country’s huge economic potential. Through the Green Seeds program, Heineken Beverage is building these businesses into self-sufficient businesses that can not only survive, but thrive. We aim to evolve this business into a business that will hopefully do business with Heineken in the future of drinks. ” Additionally, they can create jobs and create long-term wealth for the owners of those businesses.

Green Seeds Program Focus

The Green Seeds Program is an ongoing corporate development initiative within Heineken Beverage that ensures compliance with relevant laws, provides access to markets, promotes financial inclusion and addresses the daily challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim is to empower small and medium-sized enterprises by addressing their challenges. The current cohort has a particular focus on sustainable growth, market access and financial development.

HEINEKEN’S ESD PROGRAM: PILLARS OF SUPPORT

The Green Seeds Initiative is an integral part of Heineken Beverage’s Corporate and Supplier Development (ESD) program. The program aims to promote and support entrepreneurship among people interested in starting small businesses. Additionally, we provide advanced services to existing companies to optimize manufacturing and improve operational efficiency. The company’s ESD program provides support across all stages of the enterprise development lifecycle for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, it will create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in all segments of Heineken Beverage’s value chain, including upstream agricultural activities, midstream product manufacturing (such as Crown Cap), and downstream township business development and tavern support.

Program outcomes and impact

Running for two years, a number of small and medium-sized businesses participated last year, with 17 completing and graduating from the program. In addition, he expects 23 new employees to graduate at the end of 2024. A total of 191 SMEs have benefited from the program since its launch in 2019. Although the program is based in Gauteng, SMEs from different regions including Soshanguve, Springs, Sharpeville and Soweto are actively participating.

Diverse industries represented by graduates

The Green Seeds program has supported businesses in a variety of industries including the food and beverage sector, construction, education, IT, fashion, manufacturing (detergents), water purification, solar power, photography, logistics, landscaping, tourism and recycling. .

Unique aspects of the Green Seeds Program

The Green Seeds program stands out due to its unique characteristics.

• Building a “green seeds economy”: The program encourages small and medium-sized enterprises to support each other by using each other’s products and services, contributing to the development of a “green seeds economy” and ecosystem.
• Start-up & Go Training: The program begins with startUP&go training, an ILO-approved entrepreneurship awareness program that emphasizes entrepreneurship skills.
• Practical instruction: The mentorship provided is hands-on and intimate, fostering strong relationships between mentors and small businesses.

Notable entrepreneurs:

• Refilwe Masekane, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Sebokeng, is the visionary founder and director of Masekane Holdings. Founded in 2018, Masekane Holdings has three main divisions and offers a wide range of services including accounting, construction and refining solutions. Showing leadership qualities from an early age, his Refilwe was selected to represent South Africa at the People-to-People World Leadership Program in Washington DC. Despite starting his entrepreneurial journey with just R13 in 2018, Refilwe has achieved remarkable growth and transformed its modest size to grow into a significant company. She emphasizes, “I am what people believe in and build me. With the right people by your side, nothing is impossible.”
• Kenosi Khutsoane is a 28-year-old beauty entrepreneur from Sebokeng who has been the creative force behind Pink Laav Beauty Bar since its inception in 2015. Kenosi, who specializes in hair extensions, wig making, hair installations, and makeup, is not only building a thriving business. But she also extends her support to aspiring beauty enthusiasts through her classes. The Green Seeds Enterprise Development Program further fueled the growth of Kenosi’s business to the point where he opened additional stores. This is a testament to her dedication and the impact this program has had on her entrepreneurial journey.
• Zandile Ndala, a 42-year-old entrepreneur from Springs, is the visionary founder of Blackthorn Treats, affectionately known as “Zandile’s Sweet Treats.” He started the business in 2017 while employed as a food and beverage supervisor at Carnival City. His bakery has evolved from making cakes for individual occasions to supplying Carnival City and Kellogg’s. did. Through the Green Seeds Enterprise Development Program, Zandi diversified his business by generating additional income by opening his own shop and renovating and renting out a small apartment. Reflecting on her journey so far, Zandi said, “I’ve always dreamed of starting my own bakery, and now that it’s a reality, I sometimes have to pinch myself. ” he says.
• Lufuno Rasoesoe is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader known for pioneering innovative solutions in the chemical detergent sector with a degree in Mineral Resources Management from the University of Johannesburg. JOHANNESBURG HIS BUSINESS Mr Rufuno, who completed his Business Management qualification at his school and his Entrepreneurship qualification at GIBS, successfully launched his TOSH detergent in March 2021. She leads a dynamic team of nine employees and her products are recognized and featured in major retailers. Ruhno has received numerous awards, including her 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the United Nations. TOSH Detergents’ success story is underpinned by the business support and strategy gained from the Green Seeds program.
• Nozifo Faraci, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Var, is the founder of Scents by Camo, who started his journey in 2018. Based in Paris and Vars, Nozifo’s mission is to harness the power of aromatherapy his oils and fragrances to transform and popularize their use in both home and personal care. Passionate about creating inviting and calming environments, Nozifo aims to change the way people perceive and incorporate oils into their daily lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit and her dedication have made Scents By Kamo famous, attracting customers all over the world with its wide range of perfumes, candles, room sprays, and diffusers. Nozipho’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices sets the brand apart and ensures each product is an environmentally responsible masterpiece.