A chance for SMEs to thrive

Real estate investment trust company Octodec and business management consultant agency Raizcorp have joined forces to launch a new enterprise and supplier development programme. They have created a space to act as a launch pad for emerging local businesses in South Africa.

Manager of Raizcorp’s Sandton Prosperator (incubator) Sharon Venn said, “Collaboration can create success and we have always been about collaboration and sharing. In the early days when we just started, everything was shared from space to printers to the kitchen. It has become part of our culture – sharing for strength is what we believe in. When we talk about our programme it is all about coming together and that is what we are doing with this partnership with Octodec.”

With experts in the field involved, the programme has three main aims – to enhance the impact, sustainability and profitability of the selected participants. A number of participants will be part of the programme, all in different sectors of business with a shared vision – to have a successful business.

The development programme consists of three rigorous programmes with a R3.8-million contribution to make businesses in South Africa more sustainable. Each participant will be afforded the opportunity to engage with and receive internationally accredited entrepreneurial learning, individual business guidance, access to infrastructure, access to specialists and back-office support.

Through this support, Jeffrey Wapnick, managing director at Octodec believes that each business will thrive. His advice to participants is to keep at it, “Don’t lose heart, when starting your business, the key is to remain consistent. My father who started this company was my mentor. He used to say ‘It’s good to learn from your own mistakes but it is better to learn from the mistakes of others’. Listen to these people, talk to people and find out what’s going on.”

Wapnick added that business today is different compared to ‘back then’ but something that always stuck with him was knowing the ins and outs of your business. “Again, I go back to when my father was in business. He would always trust his intuition and gut feelings. He used to know his business like the back of his hand and knew what was going on. In a moment my father would make a deal.”

Celebrating its 20th year in 2020, Raizcorp is one of the leading incubators in Africa. They’re looking forward to creating a real impact on the selected participants’ lives and businesses.

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/238584/private-property-launches-inaugural-real-estate-industry-summit/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/242314/grow-your-business-with-tips-from-the-experts/