The Clothing Bank is helping unemployed South African women to run small businesses

The Clothing Bank was established in 2010 with the vision to inspire, skill and support unemployed South Africans to eradicate poverty in their lives.
We understand that breaking the cycle of poverty requires a multi-dimensional approach to creating an environment that stimulates personal and professional growth. That’s why we work with the heart, head and hands.
Through unique collaborations, we build power partnerships that catalyse change. Our key partners include South Africa’s major retailers who donate their excess merchandise to our 2-year enterprise development training programme. The donated merchandise is debranded and redistributed to our beneficiaries – unemployed mothers - who generate a decent income by learning how to trade in the informal sector.
The Clothing Bank actively supports the circular economy. We help our retail partners responsibly redistribute their excess merchandise while supporting a financially inclusive society.
During year one of their two-year journey, our beneficiaries are trained in business, finance, life and computer skills. Training includes digital marketing and guidance on how to build her customer base.
During year two we expose our beneficiaries to a more structured training programme, in partnership with Ttbisa. The Informal Small Business Practice ISBP programme is accredited NQF Level 3 and deepens their business knowledge. It even includes a module on developing a business plan.
Very early on in our journey, we realised that women stuck in the trauma of poverty need additional support. We expanded our programme to include life coaching and business mentoring. Helping people understand what holds them back, together with a programme that stimulates “ I can” moments shifts people into responsiveness.
Responsibility is the root of success, and commitment, determination and attendance are expected and encouraged. The programme is designed to build self-esteem and impart real skills, that sustain their small businesses and positively impact their future.
We need to ensure that our programme is in fact changing lives, and we partner with The Green Light Office to measure our impact by using the Poverty Stoplight Tool. In addition, the Poverty Stoplight Tool enables people to understand where they are at, and set personal goals to help that them change their trajectory.
The Clothing Bank is having a positive impact on the lives of the women we recruit, their children and families. The ripple effect is inspiring. We are seeing our beneficiaries emerge as role models within their communities, leading the way for others.

www.theclothingbank.org.za