Cultivate Coffee is a social initiative whose vision is to provide local young entrepreneurs and creatives in Empangeni with a hub where they can share office facilities, network and build relationships, and together contribute to social and economic change – all whilst enjoying some of the best coffee in town.
The group recognizes that entrepreneurship is one of the greatest tools available in South Africa to lift young people out of poverty and purposelessness. Yet there is a lack of local social networking opportunties, infrastructure and support hubs, as well as financial tools to help propel talented individuals into the marketplace. I was invited to cover their launch event and have been monitoring their progress and activities ever since. Its been fantastic to watch their individual journeys as these entrepreneurs apply their youthful energy, take some risks, all combined with lots of hard work, to grow their businesses. In business, financial capital can play a role, but having the social capital of friends and colleagues to share challenges, test ideas, and provide encouragement and support, is invaluable. Cultivate Coffee is making this contribution and bringing about positive social and economic change for those participating.
