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The endeavor effect

Endeavor South Africa was officially incorporated in June 2004. The office strives to embody and foster the gold standard of entrepreneurship in the country and to cultivate role models that reach and inspire South Africans of all races. Over the last six years, it has worked to identify and support entrepreneurs across a range of industries, helping to catalyze the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Endeavor South Africa’s portfolio of entrepreneurs encompasses a wide range of industries, from ice cream manufacturing, mobile phone applications and software design, to mining safety, fashion and retail, and pharmaceuticals. With support from more than 120 top business leaders serving as mentors, these companies have created approximately 12,000 high-value jobs.

The office runs a successful Excelerator program, to diversify its portfolio and become more relevant to a larger part of the population. To exercise greater influence on the entrepreneurial landscape in South Africa, it has also launched the first “State of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial Dialogues” paper in partnership with First National Bank--which raises awareness around the obstacles that entrepreneurs face. It also continues to establish important partnerships, including with Deloitte, E&Y, and the local business schools.