The Blade Lounge — Social Impact & Community Engagement
The Blade Lounge creates 5-8 jobs, runs free grooming workshops for unemployed youth, and qualifies as a Level 4 B-BBEE contributor as a black-owned enterprise…
Section 13 · Business Plan
Social Impact & Community Engagement
The Blade Lounge creates 5-8 jobs, runs free grooming workshops for unemployed youth, and qualifies as a Level 4 B-BBEE contributor as a black-owned enterprise…
13.1 Employment Creation
The Blade Lounge will directly create 5 jobs in Year 1, scaling to 8 by Year 3. In a country where youth unemployment stands at 46.1% for the 15-34 age group, every job matters. Barber positions will be offered to young South Africans with demonstrated aptitude and passion for the craft, including those without formal qualifications. The apprenticeship programme will provide structured on-the-job training, creating a pipeline of skilled barbers who can eventually open their own shops or join the company’s planned franchise network.
13.2 Skills Development
The company will partner with local TVET colleges and community organisations to offer free introductory grooming workshops for unemployed youth. These workshops will cover basic barbering techniques, hygiene standards, and business fundamentals. Outstanding participants will be offered apprenticeships at The Blade Lounge. This programme directly addresses the skills mismatch that contributes to South Africa’s structural unemployment problem.
13.3 B-BBEE Contribution
As a black-owned enterprise with a commitment to skills development and local supplier procurement, The Blade Lounge will qualify as a Level 4 B-BBEE contributor within its first year of operation. This status will be actively leveraged to secure corporate grooming contracts and partnership opportunities with larger organisations.
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