Training to South African SMMEs
The partnership between DIBD and the South African business association FABCOS has borne fruit. With inspiration and assistance from DIBD, the FABCOS Academy has been established and is today offering training courses to SMMEs across the country.
Inspiring new ideas
The establishment of the FABCOS Academy was initiated in Denmark in October 2008, when the FABCOS Business Council visited DI for the first time. During that visit, FABCOS was introduced to what at that time was called the DI Academy – a training institution within DI offering training courses and business advice to members. The President of FABCOS saw the potential and expressed that he wanted to offer a similar service to FABCOS’ members. That marked the beginning of the establishment of the FABCOS Academy.
Implementing the plans
Today, almost two years later, the FABCOS Academy has indeed been established and is operating from the FABCOS premises. With assistance from DI, a sustainable business plan for setting up the Academy was developed and implemented. This included determining which courses to offer, selecting service providers to assist in developing and delivering the training material, and hiring the necessary staff to manage the Academy.
To secure the necessary funding to support the Academy, FABCOS has recently signed an agreement with the national department for trade and industry who has agreed to fund the Academy for the next 2½ years. FABCOS are receiving a total of 10.5 million Rand to support the national roll-out of the Academy.
Delivering the goals
The objective of the project has been reached. The first FABCOS Academy training programmes are already being offered to members, and additional training courses are being developed and are expected to be rolled out nationally over the next six months. Through the establishment of the FABCOS Academy, FABCOS' profile as service provider to SMMEs has been strengthened, and the members are enjoying the access to assistance in developing and empowering their business.
Congratulation to the FABCOS team for making it happen!