Picture: Women in Entrepreneurship/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
In commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Month, the Orbit TVET College’s Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI), successfully hosted a Women in Business Seminar for local start-ups and existing businesswomen on 17 November 2023.
According to the Centre Manager, Peter Matlou, this prestigious event was aimed at celebrating female entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of contributing towards curbing the current unemployment rate that the nation is faced with, as well as providing the attendees with valuable information and insights on opportunities available to support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women.
“This event is specifically designed with a primary focus on supporting emerging and disadvantaged businesses. It also aims to equip local female entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
“Most significantly, it aims to offer an entrepreneurial platform for local female-owned SMMEs to commercialise the vocational skills that will see them move from being ‘job seekers to job creators,” he said.
Matlou further said, that to date, CFERI has equipped several entrepreneurs with contemporary entrepreneurship training and support that is essential for mitigating business challenges in the 4IR era. He added that the centre supports start-ups with entrepreneurial training, coaching and mentoring.
“It promotes the economic participation and inclusion of women, youth and people with disabilities through access to entrepreneurial education, business development and support.
“He added that they invited the attendees to bring forth their innovative business ideas to the centre so they can be supported and guided.
In her Keynote speech, Basetsana Setshogoe, business owner and also an ORBIT TVET college alumni, shared that being a graduate of the college and witnessing how much support the organisation is providing to capacitate aspiring entrepreneurs is heart-warming as the current economic state relies heavily on employment creators.
“Starting a business has never been a smooth ride for me, just when I thought we were starting to gain momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. I was forced to look at new ways of streamlining my business approach.
“I want to encourage you to embrace technology, adjust and adapt to this ever-changing world. Don’t be stuck on one product or service, start thinking about whether you’re still going to be able to provide the service as technology changes – look for new ways to improve your services,” she said.
Setshogoe urged business owners to never allow the lack of finances to stop them from achieving what they want. She said they should start now with what they have no matter how small.
“If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, go for something that is natural to you, something you know and are passionate about. Be able to deliver something different, and most importantly, know your niche and stick to it,” said Setshogoe.
Meanwhile, among the guest speakers, were representatives from ABSA and NYDA who shared business opportunities within their organisations that can benefit SMMEs.
The acting Campus Manager, Issac Mokwena said: “The collective expertise and commitment to driving economic growth by all the panellists has undoubtedly contributed to the success and intended goal of this seminar. I am impressed by the centre’s commitment to develop and support a new breed of future-fit entrepreneurs and to encourage our youth to be economic influencers and game changers who will contribute towards an even better economy.
“As we are gathered here, I would like to encourage you all today to stand your ground, be fierce and go out there to claim what belongs to you as a young woman. I wish for you not to be intimidated by the opposite gender, you are capable on your own and you are sufficient.”
The Guardian 