North West hard at work to reignite enterprise development to grow provincial economy
The North West Department of Economy and Enterprise Development have during the past week hosted Entrepreneurship Week to enhance entrepreneurial support program that will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the province.
Entrepreneurship week was full of activities intended to benefit small businesses and cooperatives across all the sectors. Amongst the activities was Co-Op 20/20 model of affording cooperatives an opportunity to pitch their business proposals highlighting key performance areas, challenges and needs in 20 slides within 6 minutes to potential investors and funders. Approximately 16 cooperatives who met the C-Op 20/20 experience business metrix requirements in which site inspections, profiling, viewing of their workplace and one on one interviews were done.
During the event the State Owned Enterprises like Eskom made commitments to support enterprises operating within the province through procurement opportunities. Commercial banks presented their offering meant to support start up enterprises on financial and non-financial support.
In his opening speech the Head of the Department Mr Lufuno Tshikovhi assured cooperatives and small businesses that the department is hard at work in strengthening enterprise development programmes to assist government in reducing the rate of unemployment and poverty within the province.
“Department through Entrepreneurship week hoped to leverage partnership with enterprise development institutions focusing on those with no footprint in the province to address challenges faced by businesses such as lack of access to market and finance. Our intention is to integrate all economic activities in each municipality with a view to benefit local businesses”, said Tshikovhi.
“We are transforming our economy by creating an enabling environment to allow our enterprises to grow and be sustainable,” said Tshikovhi.
The entrepreneurship week boosted motor industry as they were able to showcase their products and sell motor spares to community members who attended motor sporting event.
In his concluding remarks the HOD uttered that next year’s Entrepreneurship Week the Department will be celebrating success stories emanated from this year’s activities.
For enquiries contact:
Ms Dumisa Seshabela - Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
