JCCI encourages entrepreneurship

Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) talked all things entrepreneurship and why the country had what it took to grow businesses.

“The current economy does not allow for young people to be absorbed into the workplace,” said Bongani Khuluse, chairperson for the Youth Commission JCCI.

With entrepreneurship having halved over the past eight years and unemployment rising by four percent, according to Stats SA, the JCCI is keen to address the challenges facing young entrepreneurs, finding solutions and letting people know where they can find help with their business endeavours.

Khuluse said there were a number of challenges facing the youth of today, two of which were formal education and developed skills.

Another challenge is support – financial, educational, governmental and that of other businesses. “When there’s not enough support for small businesses they just think they’re not good enough and give up. This is not squarely the fault of government but they need to create an environment conducive to job creation,” said Khuluse.

Solutions suggested by the JCCI were SMME development, identification and implementation of value chains, mentorship and incubation of companies to develop and grow their businesses.

“SMME development is key. We [the JCCI] create a platform where we pair young entrepreneurs and old business people who have the experience so they can understand each of their challenges. There are opportunities, but no experience, so they’re paired with established businesses so they can get experience and grow from there.”

Khuluse commended the youth for their energy and said they have something to offer old businesses. “Youth are creative by nature, they think out of the box, so how can we make the creativity benefit society? Solutions are there. There’s a lot of opportunity, creativity and energy. Older people think, while youngsters do – innovations and solutions come from youngsters. Older people in the industry aren’t bringing new ideas.”

Mentorship, incubation, skills development and research are the tools necessary for job creation and also to hone the energy and creativity of the youth to use in business and, furthermore, encourage entrepreneurship, according to Khuluse.

In closing, he also urged entrepreneurs to move away from the service industry and go into the manufacturing of essential products – something for budding young business minds to consider.

Details: www.jcci.co.za