The number of aspirant entrepreneurs in Atlantis and its surrounds is mushrooming.

This is according to a staffer with a small-business development agency with an ever-growing client base.

“We started with 37 small businesses and are standing on 207 in just a few months,” said Olivia Carolus of Cape Venture in Atlantis.

She said local church leaders are also playing a part. One such leader is Pastor Denise Hiniker, who has played a vital role in getting businesspeople ready for the market.

This enterprising wave, while positive, has not been without its challenges. “Our team worked well together to get these sorted,” said Carolus. She said Cape Venture had been brought to Atlantis in April by its director Ellen Don, who is from Witsand, and its CEO and founder Lindele Ndlazilwana visited soon after. By mid-May the number of clients had grown to 87 and a week later was at 207. On 8 July 153 students graduated in business management. This three-month programme consists of the following:

. Business management

Additional options:

. Home-based/First-Aid

. Baking/Catering

. Pharmaceutical

. Sewing

. Hairdressing

. Household Chemicals

The students have started the second stage of the programme, and will graduate in September. “They will undergo job placement or receive a financial boost to start their own business,” Carolus said.