IN A DEAL worth approximately R1.7 million over five years, banking group Absa will sponsor the Small Business Unit at the University of Port Elizabeth and its satellite offices in KwaZakhele and Umtata, to provide training and support to budding and established entrepreneurs. Absa has also donated a 76-terminal internet-connected computer laboratory to the value of R200 000 to provide students and small business owners with a window to international trends and research on business knowledge. Absa will also pay for an extra year for B.Comm students to specialise in B.Comm SMME (small, medium and micro enterprises) on an annual basis. Preference will be given to top students from disadvantaged communities within the Eastern Cape. The Small Business Unit will arm participants with practical skills on how to start and manage their own businesses. Courses on record keeping, costing, pricing, marketing customer and office relations, are designed to give eager entrepreneurs the confidence and tools to get new businesses up and running. The Unit will also provide strong support and mentoring facilities - including referrals, viability studies, access to finance, follow-up visits/aftercare for new businesses, networking/capacity building, business linkages, project management and job creation. Absa will serve as a member of the UPE/Absa Small Business Unit Advisory Committee and provide specialist support.