Skills Development Programmes

Skills development

 

Short Learning Programme (SLP) for Business Start-ups | Micro-credentials | Enterprising Women Programme

The North-West University (NWU) has been pioneering entrepreneurship education and support through its Short Learning Programme (SLP) for Business Start-ups since 2013. The programme, which is an accredited short course at the NWU, is the foundation of numerous bhive EDC initiatives.

Originally offered as a fully face-to-face programme for female entrepreneurs (known as the Enterprising Women Programme) in a single location, the SLP has subsequently evolved into a comprehensive digital model, structured as stackable micro-credentials. This means that the micro-credentials can be completed at participants’ own pace and time schedule, within a defined framework, with the units stacking on one another towards a full short learning programme.

Participants who complete the full requirements of an individual micro-credential or short course receive a digital badge or other official evidence that the necessary work had been completed. Those participants who complete the full set of ten short courses or the full Enterprising Women Programme are awarded a NWU SLP certificate.

  • Eligibility: Open to community-based entrepreneurs, this program is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to build a solid foundation for their business or expand their skillset through micro-credentials.
  • Benefits of Participation: Increased likelihood of entrepreneurial success by reinforcing the concepts and skills needed to create, design and launch a successful new business.

Business Incubation

The incubation program supports early-stage businesses by providing a structured environment for growth. From pre-incubation to full incubation, the program addresses the needs of start-ups as they scale.

  • Eligibility: The incubation programme is open to NWU students, alumni, and community members.
  • Benefits of Participation: Access to entrepreneurial training, workshops, mentoring and coaching, and networking events.

Community-based Initiatives

While community engagement is a cross-cutting theme in many of the bhive EDC’s initiatives, the Centre is also actively involved in numerous community-based entrepreneurship initiatives to address local communities’ developmental and social needs.