Entrepreneurship is a reading experience. To be able to build a successful business that contributes value to customers and creates jobs is extremely fulfilling. However, not everyone can quit their jobs and start a business. This is something that brands like Bidvest Bank and Sorbet are realising. The Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur programme identifies hardworking employees with entrepreneurial potential and helps them transition from worker to franchise owner.
“Bidvest Bank partnered with Sorbet in the Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur programme to drive economic empowerment and transformation by helping Sorbet employees, especially those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, to become franchise owners,” says Hannah Sadiki, Managing Director of Bidvest Bank. “The collaboration aligns with Bidvest Bank’s strategy to support small business growth and its ESG goals of promoting inclusion and entrepreneurship. By combining Sorbet’s established franchise system with Bidvest Bank’s financial expertise, the programme reduces barriers to business ownership through funding, mentorship, and business training. This partnership benefits both brands by fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and contributing to community and economic development across South Africa.”
On 23 September 2025, Sorbet proudly celebrated a milestone today as Julia Simelane officially took ownership of her own franchise at Town Square Shopping Centre. “This handover marks a major step in her journey from Sorbet employee to business owner, showcasing the Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur programme’s role in creating opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact, and empowering South Africa’s next generation of female entrepreneurs,” Sadiki highlights.
From Employee to Franchise Owner
“Winning the Sorbet-Preneur programme has been absolutely transformative! It’s turned my dream of store ownership into a tangible reality, and honestly, every day still feels incredible,” Julia Simelane shares. “Meeting my team and being part of the daily operations has been such a rewarding experience. What was once just a vision I held onto is now a thriving business that I walk into each day. The energy, the interactions with staff, the buzz of customers – it’s everything I imagined and more.
Simelane notes that what’s particularly exciting is how her perspective has evolved. “I’m no longer observing from the outside; I’m the one making strategic decisions about how the business runs. Every choice, every challenge, every win; it’s all part of my growth journey as I step confidently into my role as an employer.”
Although she experienced the entire process as having a steep learning curve, she also found it exhilarating. “I’m not just running a store; I’m building something meaningful, and that’s an amazing feeling.”
The programme supported Simelane in becoming an owner by providing the capital investment she needed as a grant from Bidvest Bank and Sorbet waiving the initiation fee, which removed the financial barriers she was facing and made it possible to transition from being a Sorbet employee to owning her own salon.
“Beyond the financial support, I was enrolled in a comprehensive 12-month mentorship and coaching programme with African Pursuit, which equipped me with the essential tools and knowledge required to navigate entrepreneurship effectively.
“The mentorship sessions with African Pursuit are focused on getting me employer-ready; they’re walking me through every aspect of what it takes to lead and manage a team successfully. I’ve seamlessly transitioned from being employed to creating employment opportunities, and I’m genuinely excited about this journey.”
What the Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur Programme Entails
The programme is solely open to Sorbet Citizens, as employees within the Sorbet franchise network are called. They must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this journey:
- Must have a minimum employment duration (typically two years) at a Sorbet store.
- Must be a South African citizen, have a valid ID and meet other standard franchisee requirements.
- Must apply with a motivation letter on why they would make a good franchise owner.
All applications are vetted and reviewed to identify shortlisted candidates who receive coaching and mentorship around building their business plans and preparing pitches. The coaching covers financial/business acumen, marketing, management, and leadership.
Next, the finalists present their business plans to a judging panel that includes representatives from Sorbet and Bidvest Bank. During this step, they need to show an understanding of the beauty industry and franchising, leadership, business and financial acumen, marketing, as well as the ability to interact and lead a team.
Winners are selected and ownership transferred. Sorbet waives the initial franchise fee for winners. Funding is split, having 50% coming as a grant from Bidvest Bank and partners, and the other 50% is a loan payable over 5 years. The loan also covers the balance of investment capital plus initial operating costs.
“The Sorbet-Preneur programme was one of the first competitions I’d ever entered,” Simelane tells. “When I learned about it, I recognised an opportunity unlike anything I’d encountered before – and I knew I had to go for it wholeheartedly.
“What I hadn’t anticipated were the late nights and long days of preparation; crafting presentations, conducting research, refining every detail. There were moments of doubt, but my husband and children became my greatest cheerleaders, constantly encouraging me and reminding me to believe in myself.”
When presentation day arrived, the nerves hit hard. Simelane found herself questioning everything: Had she prepared enough? Did she know her material inside out? She rehearsed mentally over and over, running through every slide, every point, every possible question.
“Walking into that presentation room, I was genuinely scared. But as I looked around, I saw friendly, warm, and welcoming faces – and something shifted. I took a breath, pushed through the nervousness, and gave it everything I had.”
“The day the winners were announced, Simelane was at work. “When I heard my name called, I almost fell over! The rush of excitement in that moment was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. My dream of owning my own store, achieving financial freedom, and building a better life for my family had come true. It was like God was giving me a hug. Like he said, everything is going to be alright.
“I understood then, as I do now, that this journey would require hard work and dedication. But I was ready for the challenge then, and I remain absolutely committed to it today. This is just the beginning.”
