South African tourism SMEs can now access international expertise and know-how free of charge through enterprise-development company, Sigma International’s, global business coaching programme, PUM.

The programme, sponsored by the People of the Netherlands, is aimed to help SMEs with a particular area of concern in their business, says Sigma International CEO, Akash Singh. This could range from identifying business gaps; brainstorming ideas on how to diversify the business; and navigating the post-COVID-19 economy; to expanding a lodge or simply how to go solar and get off the grid.

PUM has over 1 700 global business coaches, all retired technical industry experts, who provide virtual business support over a six- to eight-week period. “The programme has been running in South Africa for the past 25 years and is now open to new sign-ups. The coaches and SMEs work together for as long as it takes until the SME has enough knowledge to continue on its own,” he says.

Any tourism business can apply, provided it has been operating for three years or more with a minimum staff complement of 12. The business must be South-African owned and the annual turnover must be less than R160 million (€9.2m).

“This is a brilliant opportunity for those in the tourism industry, and it’s free. It has been a challenging time for many businesses and this is a great way to get the support you need to take your business forward,” says Singh.

Applications are open. Those interested in applying for the free global coaching programme can contact Merinda Pillay (click here) at Sigma International.

Click HERE to watch the short introductory video on remote coaching by PUM.