Students learn about entrepreneurship through 3DS programme |19 April 2018

Over thirty students are participating in a three-day startup (3DS) programme to learn more about entrepreneurship and also get ideas from local investors.

The programme, taking place at the Guy Morel Institute (GMI), has been sponsored by the institute, the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation, the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (Senpa), and the U.S embassy in Mauritius.

3DS is a non-profit organisation that allows entrepreneurs to teach students how to set up their own businesses.

The programme itself is designed to teach students how to launch their own companies and also bolster community entrepreneurship in a rapid and sustainable manner.

The flexibility of the business model and the expertise of the 3DS team allow many organisations to accustom themselves to a wide range of operations and services.

The training was launched on Tuesday and discussions were led by Dr Andy Zimbroff, a trainer for 3DS international programme.

“At the end of this three-day workshop, the participants will want to continue to pursue ideas they have learnt and implement them into their newly set up companies in order to generate revenue. It is also a great opportunity to gather a group of talented individuals from different backgrounds and expertise and turn them into real entrepreneurs,” he said.

The principal secretary for entrepreneurship development and business innovation, Roger Toussaint, stated that Seychelles needs more dynamic individuals to explore the wide industry of the business world.

“We need to improve the business environment to contribute to our economy. The youths need to get better access to information to start up their own business and such workshop will provide them with the necessary knowledge to boost their confidence,” he said.

A third-year student from the Seychelles Business Studies Academy (SBSA), Jean-Claude Solin, pointed out that he would like to set up a night club.

“I want to learn more in this workshop and also gather the basic knowledge to set up a business. After completing all my studies I want to start up my own business,” he said.

Yesterday the students were expected to go around town to present their business plans to local companies.

Present at the opening of the workshop were the dean of the Guy Morel Institute, Shella Mohideen; the chief executive of Senpa, Penny Belmont; students and other guests.