BUILD YOUR BUSINESS (BYB) for current and aspiring Entrepreneurs Closing date : Monday 16 th June 2014

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1 What is the BYB Training Programme? BUILD YOUR BUSINESS (BYB) BYB is a blended training programme for future or current entrepreneurs created by an American NGO, International Youth Foundation (IYF) with the help of partners such as University of Stellenbosch, Enablis and Manpower. Microsoft is offering its support to disseminate this training programme across Africa. BYB consists of 14 modules and the participant receives a CD-ROM. The course is made up of 3 parts self-learning where the participant goes through the activities on the CD-ROM (which implies basic IT literacy from the participant), class facilitation and practical work Project partners Lead Agency responsible for project : Women in Networking (WIN) Main sponsor : Microsoft Indian Ocean & Pacific Partners : Middlesex University, JCI Curepipe, AMFCE Who should participate? This course is for current or aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn how to become a successful entrepreneur. What participants will get from this course? BYB is a blended course, which means that complex concepts are introduced in a soft manner. At the end of the 14 modules, the participant will have understood how to prepare a business plan, a marketing plan and would know clearly the key success factors. During the training, all participants shall also have to work on a business idea, the aim being the direct application of skills acquired. What is the cost of participation? The pilot programme is offered for FREE due to the support received from the main sponsor Microsoft Indian Ocean & Pacific Islands and from our partner Middlesex University

2 Categories of BYB Training Programme a) Full-time course Duration : 5 weeks b) Part-time course (once per week) Duration 4 months Participants on full-time course will be either unemployed or on leave while those on the part-time course will be salaried persons or active entrepreneurs. Training Modules 1. Shaping my destiny-how can I create my future employment? 2. Creating my business- What is my big idea? 3. Exploring the market- How can I document an unmet need? 4. Determining financial risks and goals- Is my big idea financially feasible? 5. Developing something to sell- How can I develop a suitable product or service? 6. Researching the market- How can I find out if there is a market? 7. Making the sale- How can I improve my sales skills? 8. Reaching potential customers- How can I reach my market? 9. Managing my business- How can I organize myself and who else do I need to help with initial and long-term success? 10. Managing my finances- How can I tell if I am making a profit? 11. Obtaining and developing my workforce- How can I effectively hire, develop and manage employees? 12. Financing my business- How and where can I obtain start-up funding? 13. Planning for the unexpected- How can I plan for the future and ensure my business is making money? 14. Expanding my business- How might I further expand my business? Trainers for the course Bruneau Woomed (BYB Master Trainer), Megha Venketasamy (BYB Accredited Trainer), + help from Nita Parikh (BYB Accredited Trainer)

3 Eligibility Criteria a) Open to both women and men (We will aim to have gender parity) b) Can apply either as an individual or as a team representative c) Basic IT literacy skills (compulsory as part of course is based on e-learning) d) Academic level : SC but must demonstrate thinking & reasoning abilities e) Good English language skills, especially reading and writing f) Ability to understand French and Creole g) Must commit to follow course to the end if selected Application and Selection procedure Selection criteria (a) Duly filled application form must be submitted by to [email protected] (b) Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by a jury panel (c) Preference will be given to those who have a specific business idea to implement (d) As the pilot course is a free one, preference will be given to those who may not be able to afford a similar paying course in the future If application is made by an individual who is part of a team, do note the following : Only the one who applied for the course shall be called for interview Full details of the team should be given when submitting the application If selected, the team representative commits to follow the BYB training in its entirety. The BYB course consists of several modules which are inter-linked and highly dependable, hence it will NOT be possible to be replaced by someone else.

4 Important dates and facts Venue : Middlesex University, Bonne Terre, Vacoas Deadline for applications : Monday 16th June Interviews : Week of 23th June Interview panel will be constituted of representatives from WIN, JCI Curepipe, AMFCE and Middlesex staff. No of participants : 25 for each course (full time and part-time) open to both women and men. Schedule for course Full time course : 14 mornings from 0900 to 1230 Module 1 : Monday 30 June Module 2 : Wednesday 2 July Module 3 : Friday 4 July Module 4 : Tuesday 8 July Module 5 : Thursday 10 July Module 6 : Monday 14 July Module 7 : Wednesday 16 July Module 8 : Friday 18 July Module 9 : Tuesday 22 July Module 10 : Thursday 24 July Module 11 : Monday 28 July Module 12 : Monday 4 August Module 13 : Wednesday 6 August Module 14 : Friday 8 August Part time courses to start Saturday 5th July from 0900 to 1230 for 14 saturdays (will not be consecutive - will have some breaks). The part time course will end in October Future BYB courses : It is intended to have more courses after the Pilot Programme subject to a reasonable fee payable by participants. In case of any query : Call during office hours on

5 HOW TO APPLY: Please the filled-in application form (please keep in Word format) + your C.V which should include job history, relevant experience, other training courses you have attended. Your application form + CV should be sent by Monday 16 th June at latest via to : [email protected] Applications submitted through hard copy will NOT be taken into account For more information about WIN and BYB, please visit our website If you need assistance to fill in the application form, please send an to [email protected] or phone during office hours on but preferably after having consulted our website

6 Important TIPS for filling the application form 1. How much details should be given when answering questions? The purpose of the questions in the application form is to help the Selection Panel determine whether the applicant meets the selection criteria to follow the BYB training. Therefore, we will need full details with supporting evidence (i.e if you make a statement about yourself, what actions substantiate what you are stating). 2. Should applicants be IT literate? Definitely YES. BYB has an integrated e-learning part and hence, participants will be expected to carry out pre-training preparation upon trainers requests and guidance. And you must have a valid address as all communications are done exclusively through s. We believe that as a leader and an entrepreneur, you cannot afford to be excluded from the IT and technology worlds. You can all learn basic skills (using Word, s and Internet search). We appreciate that not everyone has a computer at home. In that case, you can use your smartphone or should find the closest cybercafé or a friend / relative who will let you check your mails on a regular basis and carry out the e-learning part of BYB. Do note that invitations for interviews or to the training course itself will be sent by and this is why we insist on regular checks. 3. What is the academic level required? The course is delivered principally in English and there are several high-level concepts which are introduced. For example, participants will be required to work on their business plan and prepare a plan of action for their projects. For academic level. we expect at least a SC but the key is really the ability to understand the concepts and apply reasoning skills

7 4. What is the level of experience required? BUILD YOUR BUSINESS (BYB) The aim of this course is to develop entrepreneurial skills. You must therefore demonstrate that you possess some basic skills - through your past actions whether at social level or in your work. However, we are more focused on the future what you will do after completing this course and therefore, even if you have never been an entrepreneur or never worked before, you will be selected if you can convince us that you have an interesting business idea. 5. How important is the business idea and your future plans? As stated above, you will need to convince us that this entrepreneurship course will be put to use very soon not in a few years time! Therefore, we need to know what you have in mind. Tell us your story- your project name and how it will help meet a gap in the Mauritian market. 6. Will I be automatically selected if I am well qualified or has been in a management position for some time? Your academic or professional achievements are important but Build Your Business has a very strong hand on practical and contextualization, a major part which is not part taught in any business school or at university. You need to live the applicability of concepts to better yourself as a human being, as a leader and as an entrepreneur The trainers will not be interested by how much you know but rather by how you will be applying the tools given to you. 7. Are past WLP graduates eligible to apply for this training? Past graduates of the WIN Leadership Programme (WLP) are eligible to apply for this training as the focus is somewhat different. However, they will go through the same selection process as other candidates.

8 8. If someone is a team representative, why can t he/she be replaced for a session? As explained earlier, BYB is a blended course, with concept being introduced gradually and each module is interlinked with others. Although in a team you would share responsibilities, in this training course, the individual representative will be expected to attend all sessions. 9. How easy is it to get to Middlesex University? The campus is at Bonne Terre, Vacoas. It can be accessed either from Phoenix (road close to Jumbo or to Indira Gandhi Centre) or from the Candos road (road next to Total filling station / Toyota Building) It is within 7 minutes walking distance from the bus stops on Candos Road See link on goggle map for directions: What are WIN s Purpose and Objectives? WIN overall objective is to empower women in Mauritius The first objective is about leadership and training and the fourth objective is about gender parity Entrepreneurship is deemed to represent the future of our economy (and that of the world) and it is crucial that training is given to those who envisage to become entrepreneurs. The BYB course is thus aligned with WIN s objective of empowering women as well as its objective of achieving gender parity.