The youth in South Africa face a significant challenge in the labor market, with a soaring number of unemployed individuals aged 15-34. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported an alarming increase of 241,000 unemployed youth in the first quarter of 2023, totaling 4.9 million. Faced with limited prospects of securing traditional jobs, entrepreneurship emerges as a crucial avenue for economic activity and self-sustainability for young South Africans.
Recognizing this need, Bolt Business, the B2B arm of Bolt offering affordable and quality mobility services across Europe and Africa, has taken proactive steps to support young entrepreneurs. A recent strategic partnership between Bolt Business and Walk Fresh, a boutique sneaker cleaning company, is a testament to their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and addressing the pressing challenges faced by budding business owners.
In September, Bolt Business collaborated with Walk Fresh as the official mobility partner for their annual event, Sole Survivor, held in Braamfontein. The event aimed to bring together sneaker-cleaning entrepreneurs from all corners of the country, offering them motivation, upskilling opportunities, and empowerment tools to elevate their small businesses to the next level.
During the event, Bolt Business ensured smooth transportation for delegates, many of whom traveled from outside the province. By alleviating the transport barrier, entrepreneurs could focus on maximizing their time and efforts in engaging with the event’s valuable insights and networking opportunities.
In a nation where access to capital remains a persistent hurdle for businesses, successful entrepreneurs’ networks and knowledge-sharing platforms are essential for guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through the challenges of the small business sector. Both Bolt Business and the event organizers share a common belief in creating sustainable earning opportunities that enrich communities and enhance city living.
Cyndi Levendale, Bolt Business Country Manager, emphasized the critical role of small businesses in the country’s economy, affirming their dedication to supporting these enterprises. The partnership with Walk Fresh for the Sole Survivor event epitomized Bolt Business’s commitment to enabling reliable and accessible transportation for entrepreneurs from across the country.
Lethabo Mokoena, founder of Walk Fresh, emphasized the importance of strategic engagement platforms and robust networks within the sneaker cleaning market. These efforts are seen as foundational steps toward fostering long-term growth within the industry. The collaboration with Bolt reflects their shared vision of cultivating entrepreneurship among young individuals striving to create opportunities for themselves in a challenging employment landscape.
In alignment with this commitment, Bolt Business previously partnered with SAPIN, a property academy, during Youth Month. This partnership enabled over 50 young individuals to access transportation for their youth internship program. To date, Bolt Business has facilitated over 700 trips for interns on the SAPIN youth accelerator program, allowing them to overcome geographical barriers and expand their reach in the property industry. Through their extensive coverage and efficient transport solutions, Bolt Business empowers young entrepreneurs to establish themselves as significant contributors in their respective fields.