NYDA gives grands to young entrepreneurs
Duduza - The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) held a business workshop at the Duduza Customer Care Centre last Thursday.
Aspiring young entrepreneurs came in numbers to learn more about entrepreneurship and how to receive funding.
The aim of this workshop was to inform entrepreneurs about programmes offered by the NYDA.
NYDA chairperson Bongani Hlabathi (27) explains that, considering their offices have only been operating for a year, the response from the youth of Duduza has been great.
In this time, two different co-operatives have received funding for their businesses.
One of the beneficiaries is Daniel Mtshali (25), who runs a furniture manufacturing company with his cousin Sifiso Mlageni (24).
Before they received funding, they use to do the odd carpentry job.
“I want to encourage all aspiring entrepreneurs to start practising small, while waiting to receive funding,” says Mtshali.
The NYDA offers different grants for different levels of business within their programmes.
Information on how to register and start up a business is also available through mentorship programmes.
“Young people may not be aware of certain procedures and the documentation needed to register and start a business” says Hlabathi.
He urges the youth of Kwatsaduza to ask for assistance.
Different entrepreneurs also took to the stage to share their expertise and challenges as young entrepreneurs.
The NYDA not only provides financial aid to young entrepreneurs, but also awards bursaries to youngsters who want to further their studies.
For inquiries people are advised to go to the NYDA offices at the Duduza CCC or call 011 999 9079.
