1. Lora Centre Program

Great entrepreneurs are made. No one is born a great entrepreneur. Great entrepreneurs are trained, mentored, coached and guided to be great.

Lora Centre is an entrepreneurship environment that nurtures and inspires great entrepreneurs.

Lora Centre is an accredited service provider with Services SETA.

At Lora aspire to influence and inspire change by challenging the status-quo through our innovative development program.

We offer a training program that suits our entrepreneurs through practical focused online sessions, case studies, and thought-leaders.

The modules are customised to suit the needs of the cohort. We are not batch processing our entrepreneurs like an industrial factory, we create a nurturing environment for our entrepreneurs to learn and grow.

Like a farmer who creates a fertile ground for crops to grow, at Lora we nurture our entrepreneurs according to their own unique potentials and businesses. Our modules are not one size fits all approach.

We focus on depth, on quality not quantity. We run close knit cohorts.

Our goal is not to be big, it is to be small. Small in size, but huge in our decision to create a difference. Huge in our impact of entrepreneurs to create change.

We don’t teach what is in the textbook, we discuss what practically happens in the marketplace, the next bounce of the ball in your industry.

Founded in 2016 by entrepreneur and author Dr. Roche Mamabolo, the Lora Academy offers business and leadership courses that seek to change how you view and run your business. “Learning how to see” is critical in seeing and seizing opportunities. We may look at the same thing, but see differently, Lora aspires to teach you how to see and maximize potential.

Apply online —-> New Venture Creation Online Application Form

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022

2. What is the 5 months program all about?

Entrepreneurs attend online realtime formal sessions three Saturdays every month where they are taught on various entrepreneurship and innovation modules.

The classes are offered online through Zoom platform.

Every Tuesday after the Saturday class, there will be tutorial where there are discussions of questions entrepreneurs may have based on the last Saturday class.

Lora Centre is an accredited service provider with Services SETA.

3. Why study at Lora?

  • Our curriculum is hands-on. More than 75% of your time is dedicated to practical assignments on your business and other case studies that allow you to apply what you learn on your business immediately.
  • The Lora Centre runs program for doers. If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for our programs.
  • Experienced and qualified lectures. Our lectures are experienced entrepreneurs and they run their own businesses and also hold academic qualifications.

Our online classes requires a significant amount of commitment. Not only time, but the decision to overcome your status quo. One way we can make that likely to happen is to raise the stakes.

When you join our program, you are not only accessing relevant information, you are also getting access to the experience of being in the same session with change-makers, discussing how to challenge and overcome your status quo. It is difficult to put a price for that.

4. Our learning model

4.1 How is the program different?

Following a competitive selection process, the New Venture Creation programme delivers a condensed learning experience through online sessions, tutorials, teamwork, personalised feedback, coaching, and curated readings in 6 months to take fast-tracked leaders to the next level.

Our program prepares you to navigate the complex challenges of driving business change:

  • Decision-making
  • Operating under ambiguity
  • Understanding world-views
  • Risk-taking
  • Critical thinking
  • Storytelling
  • Marketing
  • Strategy
  • Driving innovation
  • Securing buy-in
  • Management
  • Making change happen

We tackle these topics with practical, hands-on assignments and the intense collaboration that comes from doing work that matters.

The following modules are required to complete the module:

  • Entrepreneurship – This modules on psychological traits and the hard skills of being an entrepreneurs, business model canvas.
  • Innovation Management – This module focuses on various types of innovation, 4th Industrial Revolution, exponential technology etc.
  • Operations Management – How to build systems and processes in your business.
  • Marketing Management – Market research, marketing segmentation and 7 Ps of Marketing
  • Sales – How to prospect and secure leads in your business.
  • Creativity Management – How to introduce creativity in your business.
  • Digitising Your Business – How to position your business online.
  • Branding and Pitching – How to build a business brand, and how to pitch for investment
  • Business Finance – Understanding the key numbers that drive your business. Costing and pricing, break-even analysis, budgeting and understanding financial statements.

Apply online —-> New Venture Creation Online Application Form

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022. Apply now, we cap the classes to only 20 entrepreneurs.

4.2 LORA Speaker Series

LORA strives to bring thought-leaders, men and women who are pathfinders, entrepreneurs who have affected the very fibre of our thought process, who influence our set of beliefs, and engage our mindsets in elements of value.

LORA Speaker Series has brought highly successful business leaders from a variety of industries to campus to share their experiences and give advice to our entrepreneurs on topics ranging from “building a venture around intellectual capital” to “successful entrepreneurship in large organisations” and “socially responsible leadership.”

The previous Lora speakers on the series includes:

  • Mr. Lere Mgayiya – Founder: Lere’s Shoe Shine Experience
  • Mr. Carlo Murison – Founder: Two Tone Global
  • Ms. Thando Baloyi – Founder: Lady T Protection Services
  • Ms. Farah Fortune – Founder: African Star Communication
  • Mr. Alistar Mokoeana – CEO: Ogilvy & Mather South Africa
  • Mr. Miles Kubheka – Founder: Vuyos Restaurant
  • Mr. Frank Magwegwe – Founder: Frankly Speaking Group
  • Ms. Zandile Nzalo – Founder: Zanenza Communication
  • Mr. Mandla Mvelase – Founder: Gap Leadership Institute
  • Ms. Faith Katsaura – Founder: Zuva Printers
  • Mr. Lebona Moleli – Founder: The Marketing Kraal
  • Ms. Liabo Setho – Business Journalist: SABC
  • Ms. Leeko Makoene – Founder:  Made With Rural
  • Mr. Litha Soyazwapi – Founder: Glyfik4 Branding & Design
  • Ms. Marang Marekimane – Founder: Business Process Mechanics
  • Dr. Brian Naidoo – Founder: Word Works Emerging Leadership Corporation

4.3 Individual Assignments:

The leaners will be have to interview two [2] successful entrepreneurs and compile a brief report of the questions and answer discussion they had with the interview and what they have learned from the interviews.

4.4 Group Assignments:

Group assignments are based on case studies that entrepreneurs will do in class. A case study will be given and the entrepreneurs will have to work as a group to analyse and come up with solutions to the case study by writing a report.

5. What does the 2022 timetable look like?

Classes are on 3 Saturday in a month. There are tutorial classes and extra classes on Tuesdays after each Saturday class. All classes are online.

Tutorials are for entrepreneurs who may questions that they may want to ask.

We will provide the 2022 timetable soon.

6. What are the online class times?

Classes are from: 0930  to 1400

0900 – 1100 Session 1

1100 – 1130 Break

1130 – 1430 Session 2

7. Where are the classes?

Classes are held online using the Zoom platform.

8. How much does it costs?

The cost of this program is: R8, 000.00. [Registration fee: R1, 500.00]. [It is R7, 000.00 if you bring another entrepreneur to register]

Botswana entrepreneurs will be paying P8, 000.00 [Registration fee: P1, 500.00].

Group Discounts: There is a 20% discount for a group of two [2] entrepreneurs who register for the programme. If you bring another entrepreneur and you both register, you will be eligible for a discount of R1, 000.00 each. This means you will each only pay R7, 000.00 full programme fee. Indicate on the application form that you have someone who will register with you and share their email address.

Payment Plans: You are welcome to make the payment of the fees over a period of 5 months.

Our classes are small by design and space is very limited. First Come, First Serve.

Application:

If you are keen to be part of the 2022 program, Apply online –> New Venture Creation Application

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022. Apply now, we cap the classes to only 20 entrepreneurs.

The program starts on: SATURDAY, 09 April 2022 

9. What are the requirements to be admitted?

We are seeking people of all ages, from all backgrounds, who share a desire to make work that matters and who have shown a willingness to contribute important work.

We believe that every person we admit to the program will somehow raise the average, producing a community that will provoke, amplify and reward excellent work.

10. How much does it cost?

The cost of this program is: R8, 000.00. [Registration fee: R1, 500.00]. [It is R7, 000.00 if you bring another entrepreneur to register]

Botswana entrepreneurs will be paying P8, 000.00 [Registration fee: P1, 500.00].

Group Discounts: There is a 20% discount for a group of two [2] entrepreneurs who register for the programme. If you bring another entrepreneur and you both register, you will be eligible for a discount of R1, 000.00 each. This means you will each only pay R7, 000.00 full programme fee. Indicate on the application form that you have someone who will register with you and share their email address.

Payment Plans: You are welcome to make the payment of the fees over a period of 5 months.

It is not just the money, it is the time you will be spending as well. The tuition includes lectures and course material.

There are two reasons for the tuition. The first is that our courses requires a significant amount of commitment. Not only time but the decision to overcome your status quo. One way we can make that likely to happen is to raise the stakes.

The other reason it is not free is that in order to build an environment focused on group dynamics and change, we are investing in people.

Our goal is not to be big, it is to be small. Small in size, but huge in our decision to create a difference.

If this sort of change or investment is too much, we totally get it. Then our courses are probably not for you. The good news is that all the content is in the world, free online or in accessible books. There are no secrets.

We are looking for entrepreneurs and individuals who want to take the next step in their business, who are looking to invest in themselves, establish contacts with other entrepreneurs, discuss difficult challenges in their business.

Basically we are looking for entrepreneurs and managers who are looking to go deep in their businesses.

The classes are offered online via the Zoom platform.

Apply online —-> New Venture Creation Online Application Form

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022. Apply now, we cap the classes to only 40 entrepreneurs.

The program starts on: SATURDAY, 09 April 2022 

11. What is included in the program fee?

The program fee includes lectures and course materials before the workshop begins.

Whenever necessary, we are going to direct entrepreneurs to online readings and videos, though there are books that are worth buying and you are on the hook to acquire those.

In addition to the course itself, perhaps our biggest goal is to build a powerful alumni network. Fellow change-makers, pushing each other to make a difference. After the course, support for/between/by our members goes on

There are no hidden fees, add-ons, individual tariffs, tolls or other surprises.

12. Are there payment arrangement?

Yes.

You are welcome to make the payment of the fees over a period of 5 months.

Registration is R1,500. And you can make payments of the balance over 5 months.

Apply online —-> New Venture Creation Online Application Form

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022. Apply now, we cap the classes to only 20 entrepreneurs.

13. What if I work for a company, do you have to be an entrepreneur to qualify?

Even though the program tailored for entrepreneurship, there is a new culture of corporate entrepreneurship where companies encourage their staff to be creative and entrepreneurial within the company. This program caters for that need.

14. What are the important dates and deadlines?

Important dates to note:

Program runs from: January 2022 to June 2022

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022. Apply now, we cap the classes to only 20 entrepreneurs.

The program starts on: SATURDAY, 09 April 2022 

Our online classes are small by design and space is very limited. [Apply now, we cap the classes to only 20 entrepreneurs]

We might fill up the spaces before the closing date. It’s first come, first serve. As as soon as we reach our target, we close the applications, even if it’s before the official closing date in June.

15. What is the calendar like?

The program is a 6 months sprint built around your business.

NOTE: There are real-time, non-optional classes that entrepreneurs have attend.

Classes are from: 0900  to 1430

0900 – 1100 Session 1

1100 – 1130 Break

1130 – 1430 Session 2

The classes are offered online via the Zoom platform

Apply online —-> New Venture Creation Online Application Form

16. What can I expect?

Unlike traditional education, our curriculum is hands-on. More than 75% of your time is spent producing work, practical assignments on your business meaning that you will learn concepts and immediately put them into action in your business.

The work involves delivering projects, getting feedback from peers, providing constructive feedback.

There will be individual assignments that are based on your business. Every individual assignment you do and marked on is based on your business or project you are working on at work.

There will be one group assignment and a pitching exam session at the end of the year.

Completion of the program will result in you graduating at the end of the year. We will have a formal graduation ceremony at the end of each program.

Most of our entrepreneurs have full-time jobs or busy freelance schedules. We have created an intensive timeline that will stretch you, but will still be manageable given your real-life responsibilities.

17. Who is the ideal candidate?

This program is robust like an MBA, but it is for entrepreneurs and innovators either running their own businesses or working in a corporate.

This is for leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, managers, artists, innovators, designers, builders, doers, and makers.

Our target entrepreneurs will come from industries including:

  • Technology
  • Communications
  • Consumer Products
  • Financial
  • Manufacturing
  • Nonprofit
  • Consulting
  • Law/Legal Services
  • Raw Materials/Energy
  • Retail

Regardless of industry or job function, this program is for people in a hurry to create disruptive change.

It is for entrepreneurs and managers who want to sharpen their strategic thinking and add more frameworks to their toolbox.

18. Will I get in?

We have made it difficult to apply, betting that those that stick it out will be precisely the sort of people we are looking for.

We are seeking people who have the generosity of spirit to come classes focused on how you can impact your fellow entrepreneurs.

People who have demonstrated that they have the ability and desire to change are the ones most likely to encourage their fellow entrepreneurs to leap.

If you are the kind of person that cares enough to read the FAQ, you are probably the kind of person who will get in.

19. What is your class attendance policy?

This is a 5 months sprint, and the other members of the program are counting on you and every other student to be fully present.

The short version is that we ask that each member of the program allocate the time to take this process as seriously as the rest of us.

20. What is the usual class size?

We cap the size of the sessions to 40 entrepreneurs. We are small on purpose, and believe that a curated group of quality people is invaluable.

Over the course of 5 months, you will get to know the 40 people in your cohort quite well from collaborating on projects. You will have plenty of chances to meet everyone in the program.

21. How much time can I expect to spend on coursework each day?

A lot, way more than just attending classes.

Some specifics: Entrepreneurs commit to five-hour sessions on three Saturdays in a month. Because this is a sprint, it is essential that you don’t miss a session.

We recommend that entrepreneurs block off at least a few hours per day for reading, research and solo work, in addition to time blocked off for group discussion meetings and tutorials.

It is a commitment, which is part of why it works.

22. Can I sponsor a leaner?

Any form of financial or non-financial sponsorship towards the program is highly welcome and appreciated.

To sponsor the program please email Roche at: roche.mamabolo@loracentre.com

23. How do I apply?

Apply online —-> New Venture Creation Online Application Form

Closing dates for applications: Friday, 08 April 2022. Apply now, we cap the classes to only 20 entrepreneurs.

The program starts on: SATURDAY, 09 April 2022 

Looking forward to seeing you on the program.