Penny Tycoon
From Finding Purpose to Building Multiple Ventures
The Starting Point
Lesego joined the First Youth Programme as part of its very first cohort, beginning an entrepreneurial journey that would eventually develop into a portfolio of businesses. Like many young entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey, Lesego had entrepreneurial ambition but needed greater clarity about his direction, his strengths and how those strengths could translate into sustainable business opportunities.
The Support
Through the First Youth Programme, Lesego received entrepreneurship training, mentorship and business-development support designed to help young people move from ambition and ideas towards viable enterprises. The programme introduced him to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship while encouraging him to think beyond simply starting a business. He was encouraged to identify opportunities, understand his strengths, develop an entrepreneurial mindset and think about the longer-term possibilities available to him.
His journey also created opportunities for wider exposure and networking. In 2022, Lesego was selected to represent the First Youth Centre at a Forbes event in Kasane, sponsored by the FNBB Foundation, where he engaged with young entrepreneurs and leaders from across the continent.
The Transformation
Today, Lesego is the Founder of Penny Tycoon, a growing branding and printing company, while also building 24/7 Universal, a diversified business group through which he is expanding into several sectors. The group includes 24/7 Car Wash, an operational car-wash business; 24/7 Internet Café and Farm 24/7, which is involved in Tswana chicken and broiler production, dog breeding and crop production.
What His Story Demonstrates
Lesego’s story demonstrates that entrepreneurship development is not only about teaching someone how to write a business plan or start a company. It is also about helping young people understand who they are, what they are capable of and what opportunities they can pursue.
His progression from First Youth participant to founder of Penny Tycoon and builder of 24/7 Universal demonstrates how entrepreneurship development can become the starting point for a much longer entrepreneurial journey.
