July 2022.

 Local SMME, Noupoort Data Analysts, is one of the many small businesses in this community that is growing into a sustainable entity, following funding and extended support as part of Noupoort Wind Farm’s acceleration enterprise development programme.

This micro-business, which provides research and data collection services by monitoring, evaluating, and reporting of community projects, is 100% women-owned.  The data collection company was founded in 2021 by five young black female directors from Noupoort, who underwent an intensive Monitoring, Evaluating, and Reporting (ME&R) Training Programme.

Funded by Noupoort Wind Farm, this programme commenced in June 2021 and was hosted and presented by Africa Foundation for Sustainable Development. Candidates who submitted CVs were invited for interviews and ten women were selected to participate in the programme.

Through this course, the trainees completed multiple assignments, which included data capturing practicals, theoretical assignments, and formulation of all necessary documentation. The course lasted for six weeks and consisted of both virtual and in-person training, following which the five directors successfully completed the training programme and went on to register their company.

“The training equipped the team with the valuable skills and knowledge needed for the monitoring, evaluating and reporting industry. The team members have been confidently able to take advantage of the additional opportunities for the benefit of their business,” said Noupoort Wind Farm Economic Development Manager, Sandisiwe Mntonintshi.

After successfully completing the ME&R programme, Noupoort Data Analysts have since done data capturing for four projects.  These projects have been funded by Noupoort Wind Farm, and include SPELL IT; Karoo Fresh Eggs; Inclusive Neighbourhood Spaces; and the Noupoort Wind Farm Sport’s League. 

Furthermore, Noupoort Wind Farm will continue to fund the company and its operations for one year, including salaries, utilities, administration, and services, which include business support and IT services.

“The company is doing exceptionally well as a start-up and is currently expanding its business footprint. Their services include monitoring and evaluation, data capturing, reporting, and marketing,” concluded Mntonintshi.