Dunlop already has a network of more than 80 Dunlop Container outlets across the country, employing around 400 people.
- Dunlop started its container store project in 2012 to bring sustainable entrepreneurship to the city, create job opportunities, and promote road safety.
- The company is now expanding the program.
- Successful candidates will take possession of a custom-built 12-meter container, fully equipped with equipment, retail software, startup stock, and point-of-sale materials.
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Tire manufacturer Dunlop is expanding a container store project it started in 2012 to allow young entrepreneurs to start their own tire supply business.
It is now rolling out the program nationwide, with a particular focus on rural and urban areas, according to Itumeleng Mojafi, group manager of corporate development at Japanese-listed Sumitomo Rubber SA (SRSA).
The company will provide support to suitable candidates to start running tire supply centers in local communities.
Candidates selected for the “Dunlop Business in a Box” concept will be contacted by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) to apply for funding.
Successful candidates will take possession of a custom-built 12-meter vessel, well-equipped with equipment, retail software, startup stock, and point-of-sale materials. The container includes a reception area, a workshop with tire changing equipment, and a storage facility with tires to enable trading from the first day of business.
There is already a network of more than 80 Dunlop Container outlets across the country, employing around 400 people.
Lubin Ozoux, Director General of SRSA, said that the Dunlop Container project started in 2012 with three main goals: to bring sustainable entrepreneurship to the city, create job opportunities, and promote road safety.
“The Dunlop Container project has enabled informal tire businesses, which often trade from makeshift, roadside facilities, to be transformed into Dunlop equipment hubs, where they can offer quality and affordable tires and tire services to their communities, while creating jobs,” said Ozoux.
According to Mojafi, the youth program was well received.
“We are getting support and encouragement from the government and the private sector. So far, we have not finalized any application for the youth, but we receive an average of more than 20 requests per day,” said Mojafi. “The ideal candidate is someone with an entrepreneurial background, willingness and ability to learn, and a great business attitude.”
Young entrepreneurs will be trained at one of SRSA’s technical, training, and retail centers to acquire the necessary business skills. They will also receive legal and regulatory support, marketing support, and business advice.
Victor Mtshali, who owns a Dunlop container in Mondlo town in the Zululand district municipality, says it makes it easier to own a business when you have a strong brand behind you.
Applications for the Dunlop Business in a Box program can be made online. Applicants must be South African and 18 years of age or older. The deadline for applications to be submitted is June 30, 2023. This gives applicants enough time to meet the minimum requirements, said Mojafi.
