Is the EIP only open to Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA) individuals?
No. Although the main aim of this internship is to catalyse entrepreneurial growth that will lead to economic transformation with a focus on HDSA, special consideration will be given to non-HDSA candidates who present a business concept that will achieve significant HDSA ownership.
What are the stages of the selection process?
The stages of the selection process are as follows:
- Each applicant completes an application form online, accessible by clicking http://www.aurik.co.za/anglo-form/.
- Each applicant who submits a completed application form will be contacted to take an Entrepreneurial Aptitude Assessment. This assessment will identify individuals with the key prerequisites for entrepreneurial success. The application will not be considered if the applicant does not complete the assessment.
- The (20) highest scoring applicants will be invited for one-on-one in-depth interviews.
- (10) Applicants will be shortlisted and invited for a face-to-face panel interview with industry experts, Anglo American managers and experienced entrepreneurs.
- 4-6 of the top finalists will be invited to join this unique programme starting in March 2012.
Will I be paid a salary while on the internship and while I start up my business? What are the time frames for this?
All interns will be paid a monthly stipend that will be sufficient to cover the basic costs of living for the 9-12 month duration of the EIP. You will be responsible for your own medical and other insurance. If you are currently operating a business you will be required to make other arrangements for the running of the business for the duration of the internship. You will have about one month to arrange this between notification of selection and the programme start in March 2012. If you are an Anglo American employee you will be required to resign from Anglo American employment in order to join the EIP. The EIP is scheduled to run from March 2012 to December 2012 viz.March 2013.
Where can I find more detail on the Programmatic Learning that will be covered in the programme?
The first phase will cover core competencies that are essential for entrepreneurial success and may include topics related to Business Acumen, Business Plan Development, Project Management, Financial Management, Procurement/Supply Chain and soft skills (i.e. Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Facilitation). The second phase will be customised based on your individual experience and learning needs, and will be complemented by the business rotational assignments. You will learn what you need to be successful in your business.
Is there a guarantee that I will be placed on the approved Supplier list for Anglo American and get further business after the Programme?
Anglo American is committed to supporting the development of commercially viable local businesses that meet its requirements. Although Anglo American cannot provide any guarantees that it will give your start-up business preference over existing suppliers, local procurement remains a strategic priority for all our business units. Anglo American will work within its existing policies to remove supply chain constraints and address potential local supplier development needs to ensure that a local entrepreneur such as yourself who wishes to start a business venture can become a meaningful player.
Is there a particular type of business that is preferred for the EIP?
Ideally, your new business will be focused on a more strategic, non-traditional technology area with potential for rapid growth, or one in which there are no existing suppliers and your business can subsequently become part of the Anglo American Supply Chain.
To what extent will Anglo American assist me with setting up a new business?
The know-how to develop your business plan and strategy to access funding and needed resources is an integral part of your learning journey in the EIP.
How will the mentoring and coaching work?
You will be assigned a mentor selected internally from amongst Anglo American managers. You will also work with a coach from one of the external organisations that will be working with Anglo American to implement the EIP.
Will I need to have already started my own business to be eligible for the programme?
No. The aim of the programme is to equip you with the skills needed to bridge the gap between your idea and a sustainable business.
What are my obligations once I have exited the programme? Will I have any ties to Anglo American?
Anglo American will expect alumni interns to conduct business in a manner that is consistent with the values of the programme. This includes supporting the sustainability of the EIP by giving back some of your time and your experience, and serving as mentors and role models to incoming interns.
As an Anglo American employee, if I decide to exit the EIP before completion, what options are available to me? Will I get my job back?
No. All Anglo American employees have to resign to join the EIP. There are no guarantees of getting your former job back though you may apply for any vacancies that exist. Every opportunity carries some element of risk.
Should I be unsuccessful in joining the programme, will I be allowed to re-apply the next year?
Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria is free to submit one application per cycle.
If I require additional support beyond the scope of the programme would Anglo American provide me with that extra support?
There are no explicit guarantees of funding or additional support outside the scope of this programme. However, Anglo American will endeavor to equip you with the skills you need to secure needed resources and support.
Does Anglo American have Government involvement as part of this programme or is this solely an Anglo American initiative?
This is an Anglo American initiative that supports the national priority and commitment of government to create employment.