In a world where quantity is valued more than quality, Raizcorp remains resolute that the selection of a smaller number of top-quality entrepreneurs will have a better overall result in terms of local impact. To this end, Raizcorp has developed stringent selection processes for all of its different programmes to ensure the selection of the most appropriate candidates.

Raizcorp’s experience has shown that every local situation, every geographic region, and every group of potential entrepreneurs present a set of dynamics that has never been encountered before. Although Raizcorp has years of experience in rural, peri-urban and urban contexts, no assumption is ever made that an effective solution in one context would work as well in another. It is for this reason that, prior to finalising an enterprise-development project plan, a team of highly experienced individuals is sent to any proposed project location to assess which model, programmes and timelines would be best suited for the project. This team will engage the local stakeholders and learn from their experience and insights before committing to a solution.

All Raizcorp programmes are designed to move the beneficiaries to the next level in their entrepreneurial journey (see the Raizcorp Enterprise Development Continuum below). Every Raizcorp programme is designed to reduce the level of dependence on the programme over time, thus creating a truly empowered entrepreneur. As an example, Raizcorp uses guiding instead of mentoring as an engagement methodology: while mentoring makes use of telling and doing, guiding assists the entrepreneur to identify options and their consequences, and the entrepreneur then chooses the direction and implements it.

Too often, entrepreneurial programmes are designed to produce quick wins that ultimately result in no medium-term sustainability. As an example, a programme might be designed to produce turnover growth or increase the number of jobs. Entrepreneurs are then encouraged to increase turnover, often at the cost of profitability, and to employ people too early in the business-growth cycle. The short-term result is that reporting will show growth, but the medium-term result is that the business closes down and all those employed become unemployed. In addition, the entrepreneur loses confidence to try again, and the net result for the local economic ecosystem is negative. All Raizcorp programmes are designed with sustainability in mind.