Entrepreneurs urged to pursue their passions

THE FRANCES Baard District Municipality (FBDM) has urged local entrepreneurs to pursue their passions through their own business ventures.

Entrepreneurs were addressed by the management team of the municipality during the launch of Global Entrepreneur Week at the Protea Hotel in Kimberley.

The chief financial officer (CFO) of the municipality, Onneile Moseki, said that the event has grown from strength to strength since its inception.

“The FBDM Entrepreneur Week has grown annually since its inception in 2013 and has constantly attracted the best in entrepreneurial talent. With a vision to develop the Frances Baard local economy, every stage of the event is built around assisting participants to seize every opportunity.”

This year’s theme is “Investing and up-skilling women and youth in our district”.

“It is our intention to motivate, inspire and educate participants to be the very best that they can possibly be,” Moseki said.

She added that is was also hoped that the event would educate Picture: Danie van der Lith

entrepreneurs about the avenues available to grow their businesses. “The key outcome of this FBDM Entrepreneur Week is to create a platform for enterprise development in the region. This support may come in many forms, not limited only to business funding, by virtue of developmental financing institutions, but also through non-financial resources.

“The purpose of this event is to give the entrepreneurial spirit the foundation it needs to be successful, even in a gruelling economy. This requires much more than just finance, it requires a reawakening of enterprising passion, a strong and reliable network and targeted mentoring through strategic partners.

“The event calls on actual business owners and innovative entrepreneurs to improve their skills and ensure that their businesses contribute towards job creation.”

The 2017 programme will include round-table discussions, plenary and training sessions.

The even started on Monday and will end tomorrow.

“Business workshops on interpreting financial reporting and understanding the marketing and positioning of businesses will be hosted in all four local municipalities.

“Topics to be covered include challenges of innovation as economic drivers, township economy and why the capacity to innovate remains low in South Africa.

“During the event, the municipality will also showcase achievements and efforts in the support of entrepreneurship across the district.

“The last four days of the event will feature training sessions, giving delegates the critical tools needed to succeed,” Moseki said.