EESA Applicants 2025/2026

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EESA Applicants 2025/2026

Call for special students to be part of Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa

Are you a UWC student who wants to help empower local entrepreneurs – while building up your own skills and knowledge of business and social issues? Then why not take the opportunity to be part of the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa (EESA) programme for graduates and upper-level undergraduate students here at the University of the Western Cape?

The multi-university EESA programme is offered by the Warrington College of Business and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Centre at the University of Florida in conjunction with the University of Colorado, Texas A&M University – and the University of the Western Cape, naturally.

Potential applicants do not need a background in business – several of the projects have components appropriate for students with backgrounds in social work, economics, sustainable development, international relations and other fields.

The key requirements are personal maturity and responsibility, a high energy level and enjoyment of hard work, a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference.

What do EESA students do?

EESA students are placed in teams that balance their backgrounds and skills, and act as consultants to entrepreneurial business owners in and around Cape Town. Students have to learn as much as possible about the entrepreneur and venture, determine priorities and select tasks that can be accomplished within the six weeks.

Consultants’ mornings are spent in class (together with local successful entrepreneurs and subject matter experts), followed by fieldwork with the clients in the afternoons. Evenings are spent researching and working on deliverables.

PLEASE NOTE: No other courses can be taken concurrent with the two EESA courses.

Okay, I’m sold – how can I take part?

Unfortunately, only 25 students can be accommodated in the program, so students interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications early. The programme is free is. UWC provides the initial transport until the students can be accommodated in the residences. Traveling to businesses is also covered.

EESA Programme 2016 Calendar

  • 9 June 2025/2026: Programme Calendar Housing begins

  • 11 June 2025/2026: Programme begins

  • 21 July 2025/2026: Programme ends

  • 22 July 2025/2026: Housing ends

Application deadline: 1 February 1 2025/2026 (rolling acceptances)

For more information, please contact: Prof Eslyn Isaacs at eisaacs@uwc.ac.za ​

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