Mind your own business with free training
DUT and Ithala recently launched its free SMME and co-operative business training programme.
THE Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), launched the free SMME and Co-operative Business Training Programme to support local economic recovery in KwaZulu-Natal.
This business support initiative followed the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between DUT and IDFC in September last year. This latest development marks a significant milestone in co-operation agreement, which was aimed at bolstering KZN’s economic recovery strategy through innovative local economic development interventions.
Providing insight into the programme, IDFC Group Chief Executive, Pearl Bengu said: “As part of the Provincial Economic Recovery Strategy efforts to channel resources towards building local capacity, Ithala has identified 50 SMMEs from the Business Finance portfolio to be taken through a virtual training programme designed to fill the knowledge gap on the practical skills and knowledge required to launch, sustain and operate a business.”
Bengu reiterated that the programme was free and they welcome anyone who is willing to join, especially the youth and young women who want to empower themselves.
ALSO READ: Memorandum of understanding to boost economic recovery
DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, said that this initiative was aligned to DUT’s ENVISION 2030 strategy and addressed the joint intent to ensure that their people are “creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive to changes in the world.”
“This is a continuation of our partnership where we each committed to join hands in both conceptualising and implementing joint programmes that are beneficial to society, as aligned to Government’s aspirations both at national and provincial level. While Ithala aspires to support and service a nation of thriving entrepreneurs, DUT has initiated programmes to train and incubate entrepreneurs, as well as focusing on setting up the relevant infrastructure and a bouquet of skills training and knowledge, that an entrepreneur should be empowered with,” said Professor Moyo.
The second group of SMMEs will commence with the training on 12 April. The training will be opened to the members of the public and details will soon be made public for all those interested to join.
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