TEA empowers young businessman
Mr Malatji, who was one of pitchers for the day, came out victorious when patrons gave a cohesive vote to his pitch.
A young businessman started 2016 with a bang as he received prizes to empower his business.
Mr Brian Malatji of Dinoko Automation attended a Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) seminar on December 5, which was hosted at Hospital View Park in Tembisa. TEA offers young entrepreneurs an opportunity to exchange ideas and network with like-minded businessmen and businesswomen.
Mr Malatji, who was one of pitchers for the day, came out victorious when patrons gave a cohesive vote to his pitch.
“I went there to learn more about TEA, how it could help my business, see potential competitors and find potential clients.”
The 25-year-old businessman said when he made his pitch, he was hoping to receive help with design and branding of his business and, most of all, to get exposure. Mr Malatji said he won a five day entrepreneurship training course, a Pastel accounting package and an interview on CliffCentral which he has already done.
He added that the accounting package will enable them to deal with their financial accounts. “We are now waiting to go on Mzansi Insider, an SABC programme, for an interview and an opportunity to promote our company,” he said.
Mr Malatji encourages other entrepreneurs to attend TEA to learn how to grow their businesses, see their potential and learn from other business challenges. His one-year-old company has already provided service to more than 200 residential clients and five corporate clients. Dinoko Automation has three full time employees and Mr Malatji said they are aiming to create more employment and become the best service provider.
Mr Moses Shange, a 22year-old businessman, said he attended the seminar because he wanted to be inspired and learn persistence and perseverance. He said those who are not attending this seminar are missing out on a lot.
“It’s not a big step that takes you further, it’s small steps,” he added.
Nonceba Oliphant, who came to the seminar for a second time, said that from her first visit she got new business and partnerships. She added that TEA boosted her business growth and she learnt how to stay relevant. She also said she got to learn about compliance at the December 5 seminar. “This is a good platform to grow yourself as an individual, even if you don’t have a business,” she said.
The keynote speakers at the seminar are experts in their fields and they were happy to answer critical questions on problems faced by entrepreneurs.
