Branson School of Entrepreneurship
Charitable organization
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| |
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Richard Branson, Taddy Blecher |
| Type | Educational charity |
| Locations | |
Key people | Executive Director Judi Sandrock |
| Affiliations | CIDA City Campus, Virgin Unite, |
| Website | bransoncentre |
The Branson School of Entrepreneurship (aka Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship) is a charitable organization that provides entrepreneurial training and financial support to international youth.[1][2]
History
The Branson School of Entrepreneurship (BSE) was founded in 2006 as partnership between Taddy Blecher and Richard Branson[2] in Johannesburg, South Africa[3] as part of the non-profit foundation, Virgin Unite.[4] By 2009 the school had given financial mentoring and training to 4,100 students.[4] The school's managing director was James Wanjohi[5] and Virgin Unite was considering additional schools in the United States, Britain and Kenya at that time.[4] In January Branson visited the school to give awards and recognition to selected students.[6]
Beginning in 2011 the BSE became known as the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship with Judi Sandrock as its executive director.[7] In September, Branson opened a branch in Montego Bay, Jamaica.[8]
Description
The school's goal is to stimulate local economies by training and mentoring disadvantaged youth.[8] As of 2006, BSE training was part of the curriculum at CIDA City Campus[2][9] serving 800 youths per year.[1] The BSE provides financial support, in the form of "seed money" loans, for the most well conceived business plans of each class.[4][10]