Inspiring local and aspiring entrepreneurs to attend Blue Roof business seminar
Local entrepreneurs share their success stories after attending the Blue Roof Business Clinic.
In 2018, Fullimput, Community Support Group and Zoe Life jointly formed a Business Clinic service in Wentworth/Austerville, operating out of the Blue Roof Centre, to provide business education and support to aspiring entrepreneurs weekly and by hosting seminars.
Since its inception, nearly 100 aspiring entrepreneurs have received business education and mentorship. Small businesses are universally an engine for an economy as providers of good and services competitively as well providing employment opportunities.
READ ALSO: Getting to know the man behind Blue Roof
Of the successful entrepreneurs who have attended the business clinic is Wentworth small retailer, Ricky Dennis who has commended the free and informative initiative. “This program has been of great benefit to me as one of its participants. It’s an ideal resource tailored for the entrepreneur who desires to venture out on their own in their chosen field of entrepreneurship and to take the leap”.
“I’d initially started my venture on scant resources as little as R170. An investment in a venture that has subsequently evolved into 5 figures just a year later but this was made possible through me having been hands-on along with the help of my siblings. I recommend it to others to attend the seminar and business clinic provided that they are willing to commit.”
Another success story belongs to stationery supplier, Michelle Moses. “I started with the Wentworth Business Clinic in March 2018, at the very first meeting. For me, the clinic was very informative. I initially started out as a sole prop, but soon learnt that having a registered company is more feasible. I personally grew and took a lot from each meeting all thanks to Reginald Nyandeni, facilitator of the Business Clinic. I will say though that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I have recommended and would still recommend the clinic to anyone who plans on going into business,” shared Michelle.
Penny LaMour from Costline (Pty) LTD, shared that when she first started attending the weekly sessions, she was unaware about how much business knowledge she actually needed. “Relevant information taught in these business sessions helped me see business in a different light and has given me a broader perspective on how to approach the business world,” said Penny.
A number of business topics will be covered at the upcoming seminar including; intellectual property, sales and marketing skills, commercial acts, funding, black industrial programmes, non-profit and non-governmental organisations and business opportunities for the youth. A special presentation from Ramadimetja Lekganyane who is the acting media and parliamentary liaison officer for the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) in Pretoria is a programme item that is not to be missed. Ramadimetja touched on the line of work that her department does, saying that the DSBD is determined to ensure that small businesses and cooperatives in South Africa become the true catalyst for accelerated growth and development.
READ ALSO: Art unites Wentworth youth
“There is consensus across the globe that small business and entrepreneurship development is a vehicle for stimulating economic growth. As government, we have to pay particular attention to small businesses and co-operatives in underdeveloped areas such as townships and rural communities where there is lack of adequate infrastructure and appropriate policies to protect SMMEs, Co-operatives and informal businesses,” she said.
Members of the community are urged to attend the free seminar which is aimed at disseminating business information to aspiring entrepreneurs by providing assistance and guidance on how to prepare and register a sustainable business. To RSVP or for more information contact Belinda Smith on email wbcseminar@gmail.com or call Beven on 082-852-4842.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
