YOUNG entrepreneurs recruited in Mandela Bay with the help of a soccer coach are being encouraged to score new goals – by becoming successful business leaders.

They have been chosen to take part in a joint development programme launched by two international non-governmental organisations.

One is Ashoka, a US-based NGO whose objective is to develop social entrepreneurs by providing funding and expertise to start up businesses that help communities. The other is Grassroot Soccer, also a US NGO, specialising in using the power of soccer to fight HIV/Aids in Africa.

Locally based American Kellan Florio, an employee of investment bank Goldman Sachs in New York who is on a year-long volunteering sabbatical and co-ordinates and coaches the Grassroot Soccer programme in Mandela Bay, said the initiative began in January with Grassroot and Ashoka visiting schools in Zwide, New Brighton, Central, Kwazakhele and other parts of the Bay.

“We received a great response from 50 applicants between the ages of 14 and 21, with business ideas that would ultimately benefit their communities,” said Florio.

“Of the applicants, 20 of the best were chosen to attend entrepreneurship workshops.” The main workshop is under way in Zwide this week.

Ashoka youth venture manager for South Africa Allan Williams said the local winner would receive a R5000 grant as seed funding for a business “that will bring about social change in disadvantaged communities”.

Florio said it was important to empower youth and “show them that they have the potential”.

One of the candidates, Senesipho Yako, of Zwide, said he wanted to start a business catering for the social needs of patients in hospitals and children in orphanages.

Nqobile Shenxani, of Veeplaas, is finding this week‘s workshop very “helpful and encouraging” in her endeavours to establish a community soup kitchen. The winning entrepreneurial idea will be announced after Easter.

Ashoka launched its first youth venture globally in 1994, its first programme in South Africa in 2007, and its first Mandela Bay programme this year.