Hundreds of entrepreneurs complete business strategy sessions
More than 400 entrepreneurs from across the province have received the business strategy skills they need to grow their enterprises.
The Emerging Business Support programme, a partnership between the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the University of the Western Cape, seeks to equip 1 000 entrepreneurs with these skills.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said 405 entrepreneurs attended sessions which were held between September and early November.
Entrepreneurs came from across the Western Cape, including Delft, Grassy Park, Langa, Bellville, Khayelitsha and Eerste River.
Businesses from the West Coast, Southern Cape and the Cape Winelands also participated.
Minister Winde said the current round of sessions kicked off in mid-November and would close towards the end of December.
“Small businesses employ around 400 000 people in the Western Cape, they are key job creators.
“We know that the province is home to a vibrant pool of entrepreneurs. Since the start of this year, an average of 300 new businesses have been registered each month in our province. I’ve been encouraged by the feedback we are receiving from the entrepreneurs who have participated. It is vital that these businesses are supported, through programmes like this, in order to be successful contributors to the economy.”
The final round of sessions is set to take place between January and February.
The entrepreneurs received training in the following key areas:
- Business Strategy Development
- Marketing and Sales Strategy Development
- Operations Strategy Development
- Financial Strategy Development
In post-session evaluations, entrepreneurs outlined what value they have received from the programme.
“The two days I took out of my schedule have added a lot of insights on how I view my business, my role in the business and how to think more strategically going forward. It gave me a lot of tools to use to track my success.
“I encourage you to take the time out and it will change your perspective and hopefully get you, as Captains of your businesses, to be more ready to navigate the rough seas of business,” stated Yanga Duma, from IF Insurance (pty) Ltd. Duma owns an insurance company operating in the financial sector.
“I went to see a new client this morning and spent some time preparing for the meeting, specifically with regards to questions I could ask. It was a new and different way of meeting with a client ASKING more than telling what I do and can do. I enjoyed the meeting and so did the client. I left with so much more information than I normally leave a client. I even know some of the “internal politics” which always helps just a little more,” wrote Mary Myburgh from Smilers Selection, a recruitment and placement agency.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: bronwynnejooste
