Media Brief for Launch – 16th July 2014
STEP UP 2 A START UP is a youth entrepreneurial development initiative targeted at learners
from disadvantaged secondary schools in Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, and will feature a 75
minute film starring actors such as Kagiso Modupe, Khanya Mkangisa and Connie Ferguson.
The aim of the film is to introduce learners to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and
will be flighted nationwide at 14 different cinema complexes starting end July 2014. To
compliment the process, all learners will receive booklets containing valuable
entrepreneurial lessons and information related to the contents of the film. The use of
cinemas enables us to reach large numbers of learners who find this environment
stimulating and as a result, concentration and message retention are improved. Schools
participating in the project have already been selected. The University of Stellenbosch
Business School and Regenesys Business School have approved and endorsed the content of
both the film and booklet which has been adapted from Lean Start Up by Eric Ries.
The learning and development process is comprised of four stages:
1. The Educational Film
A full-length broadcast quality movie will be produced and screened at 14 cinema
complexes nationwide. The movie will combine entertainment with education, relaying a
hero’s journey through which basic concepts of entrepreneurship will be taught. Carefully
selected characters and clever narrative will entertain learners whilst giving them
memorable insights into what it takes to become an entrepreneur.
15 000 Historically disadvantaged Secondary School Learners from schools identified by the
Department of Basic Education and sponsors will be invited to attend these screenings.
Transportation and food will be provided for all attendees. The NYDA will extend the reach
of the programme by taking it into rural areas.
The film brought to you by ABSA, MTN, NYDA and SASOL – is a heartwarming story of three
friends who dream beyond their humble beginnings and work hard to achieve business
success. Ferguson Films and HB Pictures are proud to be part of this nation building
initiative.
2. The Entrepreneurs Tool Kit
An Entrepreneurs Tool Kit will be produced and distributed to all attending learners.
Developed in conjunction with Regenesys Business School and the University of
Stellenbosch Business School – Executive Development, this tool kit will be a practical guide
for educators and learners on how to identify and foster entrepreneurship in their schools.
Also contained in the tool kit will be details about the National Youth Start-Up Business
competition and a school entry form for participation.
3. The National Youth Start-up Business Competition
The previous two interventions are designed to educate, inspire, and inform learners about
entrepreneurship. The National youth START-UP business competition, however, provides
the practical vehicle through which learners can apply their skills and stand a chance of
bringing their entrepreneurial ideas to life.
All learners in grades 10, 11 and 12 who have participated in the programme will have the
opportunity to enter the STEP UP 2 A START-UP National Youth Start-Up Business
Competition. Entrants will be required to form teams of between 2 and 4 learners. Teams
will complete an entry form that comprises a business idea, a business model canvas (based
on the Entrepreneurs Tool Kit framework), as well as questions designed to test their
acumen as entrepreneurs.
4. The Boot Camp and Awards Ceremony
A panel of judges made up of sponsor representatives and educational institutions will
adjudicate all entries received. Top teams from each province will be shortlisted and finalists
invited to attend an Entrepreneurs Boot Camp and Awards ceremony in Johannesburg in
November 2014.
The boot camp will be a 3-day intensive learning environment where top entrepreneurship
educators and role models will share their knowledge and experience with finalists.
The awards ceremony will reward the top achievers in the competition. Winners will receive
prizes and possibly further opportunities from sponsors as well as external entrepreneurship
organisations.
Evening Launch
The evening’s event entertainment will include celebrities such as: Swing City, Big Voice Jack
Lerole junior, Mortimer Williams, celebrities will include Shona Ferguson, Connie Ferguson,
Maggie Benedict and Gareth Cliff as the MC amongst others.