Frequently Asked Questions
Lepharo Incubation Programme offers support to existing and start-up businesses by providing incubation facilities as well as specialised intervention services to empower and capacitate aspiring entrepreneurs in the engineering, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, construction inputs, and green economy industries.
We have 6 centre around the country and our headquarters are in Springs in Johannesburg.
Regional centres:
- Rustenburg
- Mogale City
- Welkom
- Matlosana
- Khutsong
You can find each centres contact details here: https://lepharo.co.za/regions/
To get incubated into our programme, simply send an email to bdosupport@lepharo.co.za or phone the head office on (011) 363-3920
You can find out more information about Lepharo and all its’ services by simply emailing the head office on info@lepharo.co.za or calling 011 363 3920
All activities, training and intervensions provided by Lepharo are paid for already by our stakeholders. Meaning that there is no cost whatsoever to the incubated SMMEs.
Onboarding
Market Linkage
Lepharo has a great footprint and record to assist in this regard.
Yes, we not only assist with this in terms of linkage, there is also training programs
No, we can however guide in terms of referring to stakeholder for questions you need answered.
Yes, in order for one to assist your entity, you do need to sign a contract with Lepharo.
They training sessions are there to assist and grow your entity within your respective industry.
Legal
Training
It depends on the training we are offering at the time, other trainings YES and others NO
It also depends on the training we are offering at the time other training are face to face while others are online training
It also depends on the training, others takes a year, ten days one day even 2hours
It also depends on the on the type of the training but most of our training don’t need qualifications
For the SMME’s nothing but Lepharo is paying for the trainings, facilitator and the food
Financial Compliance
Bookkeeping
We assist your business with staying compliant with various finance laws, i.e. Companies Act and Taxation Law, among others. We also offer accounting services, business planning and facilitate funding.
Yes, Lepharo provides bookkeeping services & the service is free of charge. You will only be charged for legacy services from before you joined Lepharo.
We process the bank statements monthly to generate your management accounts or trial balances. And this process facilitates drafting your company’s annual financial statements at the end of the financial year.
We will need you to send your trial balances to us. These can be obtained from your accountant. In addition, we will still need your bank statements, as they are required when applying for funding.
We would need to file your SARS tax returns.
Yes, we do. And these projections are found within your business plan.
Funding
Lepharo is not a registered financial services organisation to provide direct funding to SMEs. However, we facilitate funding opportunities with our stakeholders to benefit the SMEs.
Feedback depends on the evaluation process of the funder. Others respond within 24 hours, while others may take weeks/months.
We will need you to send your trial balances to us. These can be obtained from your accountant. In addition, we will still need your bank statements, as they are required when applying for funding.
Personal Development
The entire process is handled by psychologists and psychometrists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
The administration and interpretation of many psychometric tests, require registration with the HPCSA. Non-compliance to this requirement is considered a legal offence. This is because psychologists and psychometrists receive specific training on the intricacies of psychometric assessments and the integration of all relevant aspects of the person taking part in the assessment. Therefore, many psychometric assessments can only be conducted by psychologists and psychometrists and it will be a legal offence if non-registered persons administer and report on these assessments.
The importance of psychological well-being and development for entrepreneurs, who are the largest contributors to developing economies, is widely documented in literature and business practice. Therefore, consulting with one of Lepharo’s psychologists or psychometrists does not suggest a problem, rather it means that Lepharo acknowledges the need for investing in the personal development and support of a business owner by trained professionals.
Psychologists’ practice under the guidance of the HPCSA and Health Professions Act, which stipulate the importance of informed consent and confidentiality, which means that information of a client cannot be disclosed to any 3rd party without the informed consent of the client. Informed consent forms will be sent to each client engaged to complete and return to the respective psychologist. This signed form will be sent to Lepharo centre coordinators and monitoring and evaluation manager as proof of your commitment to the programme. Only information relevant to the client’s development as an entrepreneur may be discussed.
New Venture Creation Training
The program is for 12 months
No, this program does not offer a stipend
Yes, SMME’s have to sign the learner agreement form and registration form.
Yes, learners who are found competent will receive certificate.
Through this program, SMMEs will learn how to manage their finances, market their businesses, and discover new business opportunities.