Branson School of Entrepreneurship
The Branson School of Entrepreneurship (aka Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship) is a charitable organization that provides entrepreneurial training and financial support to international youth.[1][2]
Founded | 2006 |
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Founders | Richard Branson, Taddy Blecher |
Type | Educational charity |
Location |
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Locations |
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Key people | Executive Director Judi Sandrock |
Affiliations | CIDA City Campus, Virgin Unite, |
Website | bransoncentre |
History
The Branson School of Entrepreneurship (BSE) was founded in 2006 as partnership between Taddy Blecher and Richard Branson[2] in Johannesburg, South Africa[3] as part of the non-profit foundation, Virgin Unite.[4] By 2009 the school had given financial mentoring and training to 4,100 students.[4] The school's managing director was James Wanjohi[5] and Virgin Unite was considering additional schools in the United States, Britain and Kenya at that time.[4] In January Branson visited the school to give awards and recognition to selected students.[6]
Beginning in 2011 the BSE became known as the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship with Judi Sandrock as its executive director.[7] In September, Branson opened a branch in Montego Bay, Jamaica.[8]
Description
The school's goal is to stimulate local economies by training and mentoring disadvantaged youth.[8] As of 2006, BSE training was part of the curriculum at CIDA City Campus[2][9] serving 800 youths per year.[1] The BSE provides financial support, in the form of "seed money" loans, for the most well conceived business plans of each class.[4][10]
References
- Unknown author. "Branson School of Entrepreneurship". Virgin Unite. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- Staff writer (October 27, 2005). "Richard Branson opens entrepreneur school in Joburg". The Good News. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
- Branson, Richard (November 22, 2010). "Richard Branson on the Myth of the Lone-Wolf Entrepreneur". Entrepreneur. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- Ruddick, Graham (July 25, 2009). "Sir Richard Branson teaches African entrepreneurs Dragons' Den-style". The Telegraph. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- Unknown author. "Sir Richard Branson visits the Branson School of Entrepreneurship C". IOL News.
- Staff reporter (January 11, 2009). "Mail & Guardian News Opinion Business Arts & Culture Education Sci-Tech Multimedia Special Reports In The Paper zapiro Partners Business Africa Business Branson dares young entrepreneurs to dream". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- Mdluli, Ayanda (February 3, 2011). "Branson in SA to encourage entrepreneurs In News". Entrepreneurial Business School. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- "Sir Richard Branson Launches Branson Centre Of Entrepreneurship In Jamaica". Huffington Post. September 8, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- Couglan, Sean (November 8, 2005). "Branson backs African students". BBC. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
- O'Reilly, Tammy (October 27, 2005). "Branson school for small business". South Africa. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.