The Entrepreneur programme of the Ilembe Chamber of Commerce concluded last week, with the winner being Ntokozo Ngcobo of DCB Projects, a small architectural and building company in Mandeni.
Runners up at the prize-giving held at Umhlali Country Club last Friday were Natasha Rencken of Posh Events By Design of Ballito, an event organising business, and Junior Gabela, an expert birding guide from Amatikulu.
The 17 entrants who took part in the 10-week programme which taught them the basics of running a business, budgeting and preparing marketing plans, were unanimous in their praise of the programme.
The course material was generated by the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US.
Head judge Jane Wiltshire remarked that the common thread running through all the entries was an overwhelming passion for their chosen field.
“It was extremely difficult to choose between them, but I believe what they take away from this programme is a firm base from which to operate their businesses that will fuel their desire to succeed, irrespective of the prizes won here today.”
Each finalist received marketing material to the value of R4 000, a year’s membership in the Chamber and access to their mentors for 12 months. There are nine mentors – retired and active businessmen – who passed on their knowledge to the entrants.
First prize for Ntokozo Ngcobo of DCB Projects is a R25 000 cash prize plus six months free advertising in the North Coast Courier.
Second prize for Natasha Rencken of Posh Events By Design is R20 000 and three months free advertising, and third placed Junior Gabela won R15 000 and three months advertising.
Chamber CEO Kobus Oelofse said he was very pleased with the success of the 2017 programme and in particular thanked the mentors who gave of their time and expertise to make it succeed.
They were: Jim Wilson, Alasdair Yuill, Heather Pienaar, Richard Brooks, Abel Acuna, Peter Brierley, Kim Blevin, Vino Govender and Trevor Graham.
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
