The South African Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Small Business Development Agency (SEDA), has launched a ‘Chefpreneur’ Programme. The programme aims to equip chefs, baristas and sommeliers with early business development knowledge and tools to establish their own food and beverage businesses.

Blessing Manale, spokesperson for the Department of Tourism provides insight into the aims of the new programme: “The Tourism Food Services Incubation Programme will encourage and drive entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector giving focus to the youth trained by the Department of Tourism in various food services skills such as chefs, sommeliers, baristas and other food preparation courses. This programme also aims to create jobs.”

The Chefpreneur programme

Twenty qualifying applicants will be selected to take part in the programme and will be provided with practical and theoretical knowledge that is key to the early stages of business development.

In addition, the selected chef applicants will be provided with access to a fully-equipped commissary dark kitchen to gain practical and operational training experience.

The programme aims to provide guidance and support from start to finish which includes access to business funding opportunities and more as highlighted by Manale.

“The programme will offer business incubation support in order to create a conducive environment for successful implementation and development of businesses’ brand concepts. Each candidate will be provided with Enterprise Development Support Services, Technical Conformity Assessment, and Technology Support in the development of a business concept and product development, product marketing, listing, payment and last-mile delivery digital platforms, assistance with the development of businesses models and link with market, facilities and funding options.”

The first 20 successful applicants will receive 2 GB of once-off data to use.

The programme forms part of the Wakanda Food Accelerator which has been established by the Department of Tourism and SEDA.

How to apply

In order to qualify for the programme, interested applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between the age of 18 -35 years
• Must be a South African citizen
• Be a graduate from a registered food services institution as a chef
• Trained as a barista or sommelier
• Two years of relevant working experience in the hospitality industry
• Have access to a working computer, internet and Microsoft Teams
• Have the drive to lead and establish a business
• Literate in English
• Be able to take part in the programme two days a week

Applications must be completed online and applications close on 17 September 2021.