The centre hosted several workshops and training sessions in commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week from 17 to 21 November.
Under the theme of Passion to Profit, the centre partnered with Nedbank to provide business owners and aspiring start-up businesses with a business acumen course so they get an understanding of banking products and services.
Speaking during one of the sessions, Ansley Jacobs from Nedbank said, “Welcome to the reality show of your lives, I shall be your host.” Suggesting most of the entrepreneurs had not faced up to some of the biggest challenges facing their businesses.
“South Africa does not have a culture of saving, the majority of us live from hand to mouth,” said Jacobs.
“We preach about saving but we do it because it is important and, more especially, when you own or are starting up a business.”
With a presentation on the concept of budgeting and saving, Jacobs showcased the negative effects of not saving or admitting one has a problem with debt.
“To get out of trouble and debt, you need to recognise and admit you have a problem,” he said.
Aspiring business owner and footwear designer, Ridhwana Shaik, acknowledged how important it was for her to attend these kinds of workshops.
“I got accepted into the Branson Centre three months ago. The process was gruelling, and as a creative you think you can swing it just with just a great concept, but I was wrong,” she said.
“The centre helps you merge your creativity with business acumen. This centre and the workshops are informative and help you put your interests into practice.”
Nedbank’s partnership with Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship has seen the provision of R1 million being channeled towards entrepreneurs who participated in entrepreneurial development for the year 2014.
Almost 70 entrepreneurs have graduated, following training in key areas such as budgeting, business expansion, marketing and human resources, among others.
