Mitigating poverty through entrepreneurship : perspectives from FREC programme participants

Abstract

The multidimensional impact of poverty requires multiple strategies geared towards its mitigation. Entrepreneurship is one of the strategies that the Ford Resource and Engagement Centre (FREC) utilises to mitigate poverty. The goal of the study was to explore the FREC programme’s contribution to mitigating poverty from participants’ perspectives. The study utilised a qualitative research approach, an instrumental case study research design and an interpretivism research paradigm. The sustainable livelihoods framework served as the theoretical framework for the study. FREC programme participants who resided in Mamelodi and Nellmapius townships of Tshwane constituted the study’s population. The study utilised non-probability purposive sampling to draw a sample of seven current and former FREC programme participants residing in the Mamelodi and Nellmapius townships of Tshwane. Data collection was realised using one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analysed using a thematic qualitative data analysis process. The findings of the study indicate that participants found entrepreneurship as a viable option for sustainable livelihoods in view of poverty mitigation. The participants joined the FREC programme while they already had their own businesses, which they were running, but registered in the FREC programme to learn how to run sustainable businesses that would help them survive and mitigate poverty. It can be concluded that entrepreneurship incubation and mentorship programmes play a key role in equipping entrepreneurs with business knowledge and skills in order to run successful business enterprises. The study recommends that private companies, such as the Ford Motor Company, should continue to support and partner with non-profit organisations (NPOs) such as Future Families to help people start or grow their businesses to reach sustainable livelihood outcomes.