Dunlop already has a network of more than 80 Dunlop Container outlets across the country, employing around 400 people.
- Dunlop started its shop container project in 2012 to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship in municipalities, create employment opportunities and promote road safety.
- The company is now expanding the program.
- Successful candidates will take ownership of a customized, fully equipped 12 meter container complete with equipment, retail software, initial stock and point of sale materials.
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Tire manufacturer Dunlop is expanding the container store project it started in 2012 to empower young entrepreneurs to start their own tire fitting business.
The program is now being rolled out across the country, with a particular focus on rural and urban areas, says Itumeleng Mojafi, group manager of corporate development at Japan-listed Sumitomo Rubber SA (SRSA).
The company will provide suitable candidates with start-up support to run their tire fitting centers in their local communities.
Shortlisted applicants for the Dunlop Business in a Box concept will be linked with the Small Business Finance Agency (SEFA) to apply for funding.
Successful applicants will take ownership of a customized, fully equipped 12 meter container complete with equipment, retail software, start-up stock and point of sale materials. The container includes a reception area, a workshop with tire changing equipment, and a warehouse stocked with tires to enable trading from the first day of business.
There is already a network of more than 80 Dunlop Container stores across the country, employing around 400 people.
Lubin Ozouk, executive director of SRSA, says the Dunlop Container project was launched in 2012 with three main goals: to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship in municipalities, create employment opportunities and promote road safety.
“The Dunlop Container project has enabled informal tire companies, often trading from roadside makeshift facilities, to transform into true Dunlop brand fitting centers where they can offer high-quality and affordable tires and tire services to their communities, while creating jobs , “says Ozouk.
According to Mojafi, the youth program has been well received.
“We are receiving support and encouragement from the government and the private sector. So far, we have not completed any youth applications, but on average we receive more than 20 inquiries per day,” says Mojafi. “The ideal candidate is someone with an entrepreneurial background, a desire and ability to learn, and a great business attitude.”
Young entrepreneurs will be trained in one of RSSA’s technical, educational and retail centers in order to acquire the necessary business skills. They will also receive legal and regulatory support, marketing support and business mentoring.
Victor Mtshali, who owns Dunlop Container in Mondlo town in the Zululand municipality, says it’s easier to have a business when you have a strong brand backing you.
Applications for the Dunlop Business in a Box program can be made online. Applicants must be South African and over 18 years of age. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2023. This is to allow applicants enough time to meet the minimum requirements, Mojafi says.
