When Philemon Lebepe (pictured above) started as a packer for the retail giant Pick ‘n Pay 17 years ago, he never dreamed that he would one day run his own franchise.

But today Lebepe runs a newly-opened Pick ‘n Pay franchise in Braamfontein. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) helped him to set up the store by granting him a loan of R4,6 million.

The outlet, a family store, was opened in May. The finance helped cover his assets which included the purchase of display fridges worth R1 million and fridges valued at R1,3 million to store stock.

In 2004 Lebepe was working as a floor manager in a Tshwane Pick ‘n Pay when he saw a notice in the store looking for Pick ‘n Pay employees who wanted to become franchisees.

“When this opportunity surfaced I said, this is my chance,” he says. After the application process, he and 10 other candidates were selected by Pick ‘n Pay and put through an all-paid-for, two-year, full-time retail management course.

Lebepe had to compile a business plan before the IDC carried out a feasibility study, where they looked closely at the store’s location and his marketing plan.

He says the application process took about three months. As a Pick ‘n Pay franchisee he gets a lot of support from the retailer’s head office.

While each franchisee does their own buying, Pick ‘n Pay finances all purchases, provide information technology support and train staff.

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