#STORIES | 1 MIN READ
HLN Green Energy Solutions
HLN Green Energy Solutions, a youth and 100% Black-owned company based in Tzaneen, Limpopo, aims to address load-shedding, reduce electricity costs, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Founded by 31-year-old Hlulani Ndlovu, a qualified PV Green installer certified by the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, it is one of the youth-owned businesses supported by Black Umbrellas, the acclaimed small business development organisation. Black Umbrellas is a Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation partner entity.
Hlulani first heard about the Black Umbrellas small business development programme through a radio interview. At the time he possessed only the skills to do the job, a business registration certificate, a business account, and an idea. He was motivated to join Black Umbrellas’ Siyakhula programme to gain the knowledge needed for a structured business mission, vision and growth.
Hlulani joined the programme and learned essential business skills, including business planning, financial management and marketing.
The most impactful aspect of the programme for Hlulani was having a dedicated business coach. The coaching sessions enabled him to draw up his business plan, manage accounting records, pitch his business to funders and investors, and market his business effectively.
HLN Green Energy Solutions has since grown significantly. Hlulani now employs one full-time and two part-time employees, and from a turnover of zero, achieved over R420,000 between 2022 and 2023.
The skills Hlulani acquired enhanced daily operations by ensuring all aspects of the business, including HR, financials and operations, are systematically recorded and managed. This led to smoother business operations with all team members understanding their respective roles.
Hlulani successfully passed on these skills to his team, contributing to overall organisational development and efficiency. And the programme introduced new marketing strategies that have helped HLN attract new customers.
The Black Umbrellas programme has equipped Hlulani to adapt to market changes and industry trends, enhancing the company’s competitiveness. Hlulani measures the success of his business through cost minimisation and efficiency, customer and employee satisfaction, and building relationships with stakeholders and the community. These success metrics have evolved to a focus on strategic relationships and community engagement.
One of the challenges Hlulani faced in taking on the programme was balancing his business operations with learning requirements. But with the assistance of a Black Umbrellas project administrator, Hlulani implemented a schedule to manage his time better and overcame these challenges.
Hlulani Ndlovu’s journey from skilled technician to a successful entrepreneur providing alternative green energy solutions, is a testament to the transformative power of the Black Umbrellas programme. With a clear mission, a growing team, and a solid business foundation, HLN Green Energy Solutions is poised for continued success. As a 31-year-old father with one dependent, Hlulani’s story is not just one of business success, but also of personal growth and resilience. His dedication to sustainable energy and his community, is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.