Since its launch nearly two months ago, Go Fund Yourself has been making waves in Johannesburg and on social media. The platform aims to boost the township economy and support small, medium, and micro enterprises by offering funding, guidance, and resources to help them become sustainable.
Praneshan Naidoo, the founder of Go Fund Yourself, says they officially launched in July 2024 and have since received a surge of enquiries from small businesses eager to learn more and seek guidance. The platform’s videos have gone viral on TikTok, receiving over 4,000 applications and email requests for assistance within a month. Go Fund Yourself has quickly built an online presence, boasting over 14,000 followers and more than 39,000 likes on TikTok, and the website has received over 60,000 hits in just a mont
Naidoo says the overwhelming response reflects a strong interest among Joburg entrepreneurs. “There’s a need for this. Our main objective is to act as an incubator, showing entrepreneurs where to access funding, markets, skills development, and comprehensive knowledge,” says Naidoo.
Naidoo is passionate about township economies and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. He aims to foster an environment where the township economy is integrated into the broader market, thereby boosting employment.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport Cllr Kenny Kunene commended the initiative. In a video on Go Fund Yourself’s TikTok, Cllr Kunene expressed his support for small businesses. “Go Fund Yourself assists small businesses that want to grow into corporates. I am working with him. We’re in Soweto now, starting our first project together.”
Bohlokoa Masia, the Manager of the Ikanvalethu Opportunity Centre in Alexandra, says Naidoo previously partnered with the City of Johannesburg in his role at SourceFin, helping make an entrepreneur’s dream a reality. This led to the success of Coffee on Grayston, a business started by an Alex entrepreneur who used to sell coffee in traffic. With Naidoo’s support, the business accessed more resources and opportunities, gaining valuable insights in financial management and market access.
For more information visit the Go Fund Yourself website: https://gfyfinance.co.za/
SOURCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.
