Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and FNB host breakfast for entrepreneurs
SANDTON – The Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and First National Bank to provide entrepreneurs with new skills.
The Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and First National Bank hosted a business breakfast for entrepreneurs in Sandton.
The breakfast allowed entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with one another and receive some insights from Vivian Reddy, a business acceleration expert at Edge Growth and Dumisani Sibanda, enterprise development manager at FNB.
Mpho Motsumi, the president of the chamber said, “It gives me much pleasure to be able for us to work together in this way. I believe we have reached the consensus that working together we can do more.
“Our collective endeavours can yield business and create an ecosystem that runs efficiently, inclusively and is accessible to all regardless of race, gender or class.”
Reddy conducts boot camps which advise small business owners on how to grow their business. Reddy said while the entrepreneurs might not be able to immediately grow their businesses following the session, he hoped to give them the seeds to grow their businesses in the future.
Some of the key points Reddy focused on included finding the right type of funding for a business, whether it be a bank loan, grant or funding from friends and family. “Two important parts to focus on when applying for funding is to be prepared and look prepared,” said Reddy.
“You need to demonstrate that there is a clear market opportunity and have all your documentation ready.”
He added that often entrepreneurs focused on one aspect of their business rather than ensuring that the various aspects work well together. “Small businesses always say the most important thing is sales but if I ask what organ is most important in your body, you would say that they’re all important.”
Sibanda said, “Being an entrepreneur is the toughest thing ever. When Alex [township] is mentioned we always think about big problems but we know that big problems mean big opportunities because entrepreneurship is all about solving problems.”
He added that while Alex had a big population, the majority of the people living in the township spent their money in other areas, which indicated that there was a need for entrepreneurs to provide services more locally.
Details: Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industry 011 440 7887.
Share your thoughts on the training session on our Facebook page.
Also read:
Sandton corporates urged to collaborate with Alexandra businesses
New chairman for the chamber of commerce and industry
