Dunlop already has a network of over 80 Dunlop Container stores across the country, employing around 400 people.
- Dunlop’s warehouse project began in 2012 to bring sustainable business to the city, create jobs, and promote road safety.
- The company is now expanding the program.
- Successful candidates will receive a custom-built 12 meter container, fully stocked with hardware, retail software, start-up stock and sales materials.
- For more financial information, go to News24 Business front page.
Tire manufacturer Dunlop is expanding a container retail project it launched in 2012 to empower young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.
It is now rolling out the program nationwide, with a special focus on rural and urban areas, said Itumeleng Mojafi, manager of the business development group at Japanese-listed Sumitomo Rubber SA (SRSA).
The company will provide the right candidate with start-up support to run a tire recycling center in their community.
Candidates selected for the “Dunlop Business in a Box” concept will be contacted by the Small Finance Agency (SEFA) to apply for funding.
Successful candidates will receive a custom-built 12-foot container, fully stocked with hardware, retail software, start-up stock and marketing materials. The container includes a reception area, a workshop with tire changing equipment, and a wheeled warehouse to enable sales from day one of the company.
There is already a network of more than 80 Dunlop Containers across the country, employing approximately 400 people.
Lubin Ozoux, CEO of SRSA, said the Dunlop Container project was launched in 2012 with three main goals: to bring sustainable business to the city, create jobs and promote road safety. .
“The Dunlop Container project has enabled illegal tire companies, which often sell from makeshift, roadside shelters, to transform into potential Dunlop-branded repair centers where they can offer high-quality and affordable tires and tire services to their communities, while creating jobs,” said Ozoux.
According to Mojafi, the youth program was well received.
“We are receiving support and encouragement from the government and the private sector. So far, we have not completed the application for the youth, but we have received an average of more than 20 per day,” said Mojafi. “The ideal candidate is someone with a background in business, a willingness and ability to learn, and a great business mindset.”
Young entrepreneurs will be trained at one of SRSA’s technical, training and marketing centers to acquire the necessary business skills. They will also receive legal and regulatory support, business support and business mentoring.
Victor Mtshali, who owns Dunlop Containers in Mondlo town in the Zululand District Municipality, says it’s easier to own a business when you have a strong brand behind you.
Applications for the Dunlop Business in a Box program can be made online. Applicants must be South African and 18 years of age or older. The deadline for submitting applications is June 30, 2023. This is to give applicants enough time to meet the minimum requirements, Mojafi said.
