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MBABANE – A prospect for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to receive business assistance has been presented.

As part of its expo activities, the Vusumnotfo Expo 2023 will recapitalise one business that was affected by COVID-19.

The business will be resuscitated through the proceeds made from the event and sponsorships received from partners and stakeholders.

Tanya Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC), said; “The COVID-19 pandemic came as a major challenge to business as we know it in Eswatini and across the world.

‘‘For some, the challenges proved too operating or considerably scale down their operations.”

Economy

“The purpose of the Vusumnotfo Expo is to rebuild our economy through knowledge transfer, network building and stimulating economic activity.

‘‘As much as we give businesses opportunities to increase their income and trade goods during the expo itself, we also found it important to assist at least one challenged small or micro enterprise with the resources it needs to get back on its feet in the midst of a tough economic period.”

She said the idea was to provide resources for a company to allow it to come back stronger through additional capital and, most importantly, through training, mentorship, and capacity building.

“The business to receive assistance will be selected by a panel of business leaders yet to be announced.

“The criteria for eligible businesses will also be shared in due course,” she said. intense, and they were forced to either stop Vusumnotfo Expo is a collaboration be tween the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), FESBC and Tums Water World Hotel. This year’s expo will run from March, 22–25, 2023. The event will take place for the second year in a row and is aimed at developing trade and economic activity in Eswatini.

Public

Business seminars will take place on March, 23 and 24, at no cost to the public.

The final day will feature the Kudla Kwasekhaya Food and Family FunFair, which is a combination of food, funfair games for kids, a market, and music.

Ticket holders at the Kudla Kwasekhaya Food and FamilyFunFair will receive free access to the traditional food spread.