Dunlop already has a network of more than 80 Dunlop Container locations across the country, employing around 400 people.
- Dunlop launched its Container Stores project in 2012 to support sustainable urban entrepreneurship, create jobs and promote road safety.
- The company is now expanding the program.
- Successful candidates will take ownership of a custom built, fully equipped 12 meter container with full fittings, retail software, initial stock and sales materials.
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Tire manufacturer Dunlop is expanding a container warehouse project it launched in 2012 to enable young entrepreneurs to set up their own tire fitting businesses.
Japan-listed Sumitomo Rubber SA (SRSA) is now rolling out the program nationwide with a special focus on rural and urban areas, according to Itumeleng Mojafi, group manager of corporate development at Japan-listed Sumitomo Rubber SA (SRSA).
The company will provide suitable candidates with support in starting up their tire fitting centers in their local communities.
Shortlisted candidates for the ‘Dunlop Business in a Box’ concept will be linked with the Small Business Funding Agency (SEFA) to apply for funding.
Successful candidates will take ownership of a custom built, fully equipped 12m container with full equipment, retail software, start-up stock and point of sale materials. The container includes a reception desk, a workshop with tire changing equipment and a warehouse stocked with tires to enable business from the first day of business.
There is already a network of more than 80 Dunlop Container locations across the country, employing around 400 people.
Lubin Ozoux, CEO of SRSA, says the Dunlop Container project was launched in 2012 with three main goals: to promote sustainable urban entrepreneurship, create job opportunities and promote road safety.
“The Dunlop Container project has enabled informal tire businesses, which often trade from makeshift roadside facilities, to transform into proper Dunlop brand assembly centers where they can offer high-quality, affordable tires and tire services to their communities while creating jobs. ” says Ozoux.
According to Mojafi, the youth program was well received.
“We are receiving support and encouragement from both the government and the private sector. We have not yet closed any youth applications, but we are receiving an average of more than 20 inquiries a day,” says Mojafi. “The ideal candidate is someone with an entrepreneurial background, a 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 mentoring.
Victor Mtshali, who owns a Dunlop container in Mondlo village in Zululand district, says it’s easier to own a business when you have a strong brand backing you.
Applications for the Dunlop Business in a Box program can be submitted online. Applicants must be South African and over 18 years of age. The application deadline is June 30, 2023. This should give applicants enough time to meet the minimum requirements, Mojafi says.
