Entrepreneurs hold key
Incentive programmes, agencies there to help
BORDER Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) Komani branch chairwoman Adré Bartis has indicated that entrepreneurship will be imperative to business growth in 2017.
“The government has a number of incentive programmes and start-ups to help, plus there are a number of agencies established for this purpose and the municipalities offer assistance through their Local Economic Development (LED) programmes. It is a matter of having the relevant contacts and so people need to learn the importance of networking. Everyone in business started somewhere and is willing to share information.”
She advised aspiring business owners to draw up business plans before embarking on a new venture.
“Starting a business is not easy. They should follow a thorough process, starting with a comprehensive business plan. Again, there are agencies established to do this.”
The Rep reported (“Business sector shows slight improvement,” December 23 2016) that a small upswing in business had been noted in the Komani area, but that the establishment of small illegal businesses was having a huge impact on profitability due to the undercutting of prices. Bartis encouraged aspiring business people to register their businesses this year.
“The most affected areas were the vehicle, furniture, food and cellular sectors. When business is not registered with relevant structures such as the labour department, it creates an unstable environment for the people they are employing. Businesses must be registered and have the required documentation.”
According to Bartis, there are a number of business ideas that could thrive in the Komani area.
“If I must pinpoint business that will help grow the economy, it would be anything in the engineering, construction, training, manufacturing and development field. Komani is a diverse area and any business that creates stable jobs and is sustainable, will be good for economic growth. Development is key to entice new business to enter the area and to assist with further growth.”