Bolt’s Accelerator Program: Driving Economic Growth and Convenience in South Africa
Ride-hailing giant Bolt continues to revolutionize the transport industry in South Africa with its latest initiative, the Bolt Accelerator Program. The program, which has now advanced to the next phase, has shortlisted 120 participants from nearly 600 applicants, offering them a unique opportunity to gain business training, mentorship, and potential seed funding.
The initiative is not only a testament to Bolt’s commitment to innovation but also highlights the numerous advantages of ride-hailing services for both drivers and passengers. The platform provides a seamless, efficient, and cost-effective transport solution, reducing the reliance on personal car ownership while ensuring safety and convenience for commuters.
Empowering Drivers and Entrepreneurs
The Bolt Accelerator Program, in partnership with Pranary, a practical business school, equips selected drivers and entrepreneurs with expert-led training and business growth strategies. According to Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager at Bolt South Africa, the overwhelming response to the program reflects the ambition and talent within Bolt’s driver community.
“As a company, we are not solely fostering business growth; we are also committed to empowering and creating greater opportunities for our key partners on our platform,” said Motsoeneng.
The selected participants will now embark on intensive training sessions and mentorship, culminating in a Business Pitch Day where the top 20 business ideas will compete for funding. The top ten entrepreneurs will receive seed funding of €2000 (about R40,000) along with ongoing mentoring to help turn their ventures into sustainable businesses.
Benefits of Ride-Hailing for Clients and Drivers
Ride-hailing services like Bolt offer a multitude of benefits for both clients and drivers. For passengers, these services provide a reliable, safe, and affordable alternative to traditional transportation methods. With features like real-time tracking, upfront pricing, and cashless payments, users can travel with greater convenience and security.
For drivers, Bolt presents an opportunity to generate income on flexible terms. By providing drivers with access to a large customer base, the platform enables them to earn competitively while maintaining control over their work hours. Moreover, initiatives such as the Bolt Accelerator Program reinforce Bolt’s commitment to supporting drivers beyond transportation, fostering financial independence and entrepreneurial growth.
Advancing Sustainable Mobility
With operations in over 50 countries and 600 cities, Bolt continues to promote shared mobility solutions that aim to reduce congestion and environmental impact. The company’s services, which include ride-hailing, scooter and e-bike rentals, and food and grocery delivery, are designed to accelerate the transition from private car ownership to more sustainable and accessible transportation alternatives.
By investing in programs that uplift local communities and encourage entrepreneurship, Bolt is not only providing essential transport services but also driving economic empowerment in South Africa. The success of the Accelerator Program is a promising step toward a future where transportation and business innovation go hand in hand.
As the program progresses, the shortlisted participants will work towards refining their business ideas, with the hope of securing funding and mentorship that will propel their ventures to success. With Bolt’s continued investment in both its drivers and the broader transport ecosystem, the future of mobility in South Africa looks brighter than ever.
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