Local owners of small businesses graduate from training course
“Since joining this initiative early this year, I have gained many skills, including customer services, entrepreneurship and communication skills.”
Duduza – A group of 24 owners of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) graduated from a four-month business skills development programme last Thursday.
The Enterprise Development Programme was offered by AfriSam with an aim to empower and enhance the skills of previously disadvantaged business owners.
One company offering training was Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD).
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Jabu Motlhako of ESD says: “We support business owners so that they are supplier-ready and can compete for opportunities.
“We are very confident that this initiative will upskill and add value to our local entrepreneurs and deliver further growth to local SMMEs.
“We held an open day where SMMEs were invited to submit their documents. This year we saw 76 business owners apply for the Nigel intake, but only 24 were shortlisted to participate.”
Zanele Mofokeng, one of the the graduates and the owner of ZanMof (Pty) Ltd, says the training has added great value to her business.
“This is a great opportunity and I am encouraging other owners of small businesses to apply for the next intake.
“Since joining this initiative early this year, I have gained many skills, including customer services, entrepreneurship and communication skills.
“I now handle my clients and employees much better than before and have improved how I do invoice and quotations and my business is fully compliant.
“As a businessperson I now understand that I should not only focus on one business area, but also broaden my participation and venture into other sectors,” she explains.
Another company offering training was Business Development Centre (BDC).
Programme facilitator Ramsey Ramathibela says many people start businesses without the necessary skills required to operate successfully.
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“Other SMMEs begin to operate without relevant documentation and approvals, but I saw nothing like that with this group.
“The graduates were very compliant and AfriSam supported us throughout the four months,” she says.
Ramathibela encourages entrepreneurs to build relationships with experts and seek mentors who can advise, guide and help them on their journey.
“Always follow the right procedures when doing business and avoid cutting corners, ” she added.
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