GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

February 2023.

In recognition of Entrepreneurship Month, a successful Global Entrepreneurship Week was recently hosted. This annual event project focused on the development and sustainability of SMMEs from in and around the Ramotshere Local Municipality area, giving entrepreneurs the chance to learn about the resources available for SMMEs in the area, as well as to build networking relationships.

“We held the event so that community entrepreneurs could learn about the many opportunities and options available to them both locally and globally. We were also able to undertake valuable surveys amongst entrepreneur-minded attendees, and give local entrepreneurs an opportunity to get involved in the market day event,” explained Tshepo Kgoloane, Community Operations Manager for Zeerust Solar, which funds this initiative as part of its Enterprise Development Initiatives.

Facilitated by Angels Resource Centres, together with Lead Academy and Business e-Zone, the event included business workshops; small business support services; the South African Revenue Service (SARS) mobile team; marketing and networking opportunities; lucky draws and more.

One of the entrepreneurs who attended the event, Thabisile Tshabalala, owner of Botanical Balm of Gilead, said, “The event was very informative and I learned a lot. I also had the opportunity to meet with SARS representatives who explained how the tax system works and assisted me with my tax paperwork. One of my goals is to expand my business into a large herbal spa and open a store that is easily accessible to the general public.”

Among the stakeholders at the event were Angels Resource Center; Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA); National Youth Development Agency (NYDA); National Development Agency (NDA); Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEEFA); banking partners for small businesses; officials from the local business forums, and local LED at the municipalities.