News - Enterprise Development Programme ignites local economic growth

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Enterprise Development Programme ignites local economic growth

Source By Mpofu Sthandile
1 year ago

Amidst much excitement two groups of budding community-based entrepreneurs, gathered at a recent event in Brits, North West to celebrate their success. Joining the SMME’s to witness their success, representatives from SEDA, Bakgatla ba Mmakau Tribal Authority, and Madibeng LED Office, were in attendance to demonstrate their support for the graduating entrepreneurs.

“This programme serves as a vital pillar of support for the local business community, aiming to enhance the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs, stimulate the local economy, and promote job creation. Through comprehensive training, mentoring, and coaching, the programme equips SMMEs with the necessary tools and strategies to thrive in the market and ensure long-term profitability,” explained Julius Nong, Community Projects Officer for De Wildt Solar, which funds this programme.

The two SMME cohorts enrolled in the Enterprise Development programme in 2021 and 2022, have successfully completed their courses, with the 2022 group moving into year two of the programme. The graduates were awarded their certificates, in acknowledgment of their hard work and achievements.

With the successful completion of the programme, the graduated entrepreneurs will embark on the next phase of their journey, equipped with newfound expertise and invaluable connections. Ongoing support from Africa’s Got Game, the service providers, along with access to various financial and non-financial assistance programmes facilitated by government agencies and other partners, will enable these entrepreneurs to further develop their businesses.

“Being part of an incubator or accelerator programme can play a huge role in growing your startup. For us, it has jump-started our company and brought us to where we are today. We are now in the position to fly solo, yet we know we didn’t get here alone. The value that our mentors have brought to us has been instrumental to our success, and we look forward to helping other new startups succeed in the future,” said Olebogeng Faith Tseleng, owner of Ole’s Afri Joint, and beneficiary of the programme.

Moreover, De Wildt Solar will continue to provide additional support and maintain a comprehensive database of opportunities available to the graduates, including potential collaborations at the plant.