Recruitment consultant and entrepreneur Cikizwa Nqolobe says she owes her success to Woolworths’ efforts to empower black and black women entrepreneurs. Nqolobe cut her teeth in Woolworths HR department, and then in 2006 took the plunge to start her own recruitment consultancy. She was appointed as a preferred supplier to Woolworths and identified as one of Woolworths enterprise development programme beneficiaries. Cikizwa of Indima Recruitment, says, “It’s been a quite a ride from Gugulethu to where I am today. Woolworths has really been amazing, first as an employer and then as a champion of my entrepreneurial journey.” Cikizwa continues, “Woolworths is a dedicated client, financial sponsor and business adviser all rolled into one. I meet with them on a regular basis to discuss Indima’s progress and plans to grow and sustain my business into the future.” Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths Head of Transformation says, “As we do with other carefully identified aspiring entrepreneurs, we began by helping Nqolobe draw up a comprehensive business plan that clearly mapped her business growth. Then we focused on ensuring she had the business, tools, skills and support necessary to take off as a start up business. We continue to stand by her as she grows her business. We’re extremely proud of how hard she’s worked and how well she’s done.” An illustration of her success is that over the course of a year Indima grew from managing 5 to over 20 contractors in the IT sector (75% growth). “We knew Cikizwa was someone with huge business potential but who needed some help to take her to the next level. Woolworths enterprise development programme is not a charity. The investment needs to make commercial sense – and in Nqolobe’s case it certainly has.” Zinzi adds. The heart of Woolworths enterprise development programme is building financially sustainable business within two to five years. Ends Note to editors: About Woolworths Enterprise development programme Woolworths enterprise development strategy rests on four pillars, all of which we believe are essential to help an emerging entrepreneur or small business to grow into a sustainable entity. The four pillars are financial assistance, guaranteed business, a package of support which includes mentorship, targeted upskilling and the assistance of external experts Enterprise development is a key part of Woolworths Good business journey plan The transformation pillar of Woolworths Good business journey plan embraces the dti’s broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) scorecard framework, including: equity ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development. BBBEE is overlaid on the Woolworths strategy to ensure meaningful and sustainable empowerment endeavours. Woolworths has set a target to become a level 4 BEE contributor (dti codes) by 2012. You can read more about Woolworths Good business journey at www.woolworths.co.za

Recruitment consultant and entrepreneur Cikizwa Nqolobe says she owes her success to Woolworths’ efforts to empower black and black women entrepreneurs.