Sanlam has partnered with the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) for the 2023 Sanlam Bridge Programme. The programme serves as a launchpad for Namibian start-up business owners, who either already have a registered business not older than one year or have a feasible business idea but lack the financial resources they require, to grow their business or turn their ideas into reality.

It is funded by Sanlam and facilitated by NIPDB. The programme aims to empower
young Namibians with the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to run their
business and receive the much-needed seed capital to get them started.
Sanlam's Marketing and Communications Manager, Laurencia Prinzonsky called for
young Namibians with innovative business ideas to apply for the programme.
"For the past few years, we've seen a wide variety of businesses coming up as a result
of this programme. Many of these have gone on to grow and create employment for
other Namibians. As Sanlam we are once again excited to be able to offer young
Namibians the opportunity to turn their business dreams into reality through the Sanlam
Bridge," she said.
The programme further aims to bridge the gap between the businesses/MSMEs and
financial institutions like banks, equity funders, to make them more attractive for future
funding.

It is also an opportunity for youth led businesses to promote business innovation and
help diversify the Namibian economy while creating employment opportunities and
allowing young people a chance to create and generate their own income. The
programme is open to young Namibians between the ages of 18 to 35.
According to Prinzonsky, to ensure that more Namibians benefit from the programme,
the team will select the top 10 candidates who will participate in a pitch opportunity
facilitated by NIPDB.

The NIPDB will be responsible for coordinating the pitch competition, including pitch
training and the development of the evaluation criteria. We urge all young Namibians
from all around the country to apply.

Five businesses from across the country and from different industries will be selected,
each receiving N$50,000 seed capital coupled with training and mentorship.
All the 5 businesses will automatically benefit from NIPDB MSME incentives in Branding
Masterclasses, Financial Symposiums, Digital Bootcamps, Business Support Weeks
and the Start Improve Your Business Training Programme.

The overall winner, which is the business that meets all or most of the set milestones for
their business, shows best potential for growth, will be announced towards the end of
the year to receive an additional N$50,000.