In a bid to bolster small business owners in the Garden Route, nonprofit organisation (NPO) Beyond Normal stepped in to educate, foster connections and empower individuals during a speed learning seminar.
Beyond Normal founder Sbongile Tom invited a variety of small business owners to a three-hour session hosted by industry professionals determined to impart their skills and knowledge for the growth of the region’s small business sector.
Tom said he invited 18 youths to participate in the session after noting the frightening lack of employment for those fresh out of matric.
“When I arrived in Plettenberg Bay and started socialising with the youth, I realised that the youth here had brilliant ideas but they were faced with a challenge of not having resources to start their business.
“And they did not know where to go to be assisted.”
He said the session was meant to expose young entrepreneurs to opportunities within their industry and how to access funding to build their businesses.
Tom is also trying to create exposure for young talent through hosting them on his community radio station, Radio204.
The session had stakeholders from Isimo Sandile, a local business that does catering and makes perfumes in Knysna; LAGASI, a Knysna-born clothing brand; as well as Yanga Ngxanga, who represented Smatax and introduced the crowd to potential funding and business opportunities.
Knysna deputy mayor Alberto Marbi also attended.
The speakers interacted with and educated the group which included artists, filmmakers, radio presenters, fashion designers, detergent manufacturers and a car wash owner.
Knysna-born Zenande Sindile, 32, said she was excited for the future and with the opportunities presented at the event, she was confident that her detergent business would thrive.
“Today, my products were bought by the deputy mayor and I also managed to collaborate with the car wash owner.
“From now on, I will be selling my products to his business” she said.
Talented artist Sinako Geelbooi said he hoped relevant stakeholders would finally hear the challenges facing musicians.
“I am inspired by so many opportunities and business ideas shared with us.
“We networked, exchanged contact. I am now confident as a brand that all my dreams can be realised if I associate myself with the right people and keep on learning,” he said.
Tom said he would l host more talks and programmes to empower the youth in the near future.
HeraldLIVE
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