Entrepreneurs given a boost
The Mossel Bay Municipality, in collaboration with SEDA and BEECORP, added an inspirational flavour to the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children at its Entrepreneurs' Day this week.
The event was aimed at empowering vulnerable groups.
Around 140 people attended the event, including exhibitors, as well as members of vulnerable groups. Both the Hessequa and Knysna municipalities supported the event.
During the event, stalls presented were assessed by a panel of adjudicators in order to advise the entrepreneurs on their products, their presentation and how to move forward.
The panel included Councillor Rosina Ruiters, the deputy mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality and representatives of BEECORP, Ronel Marx, Anton Marais and Ennocentia Sibiza, who also delivered the keynote speech.
Sibiza told the audience that her journey as an entrepreneur started when her mother died as she was confronted with caring for her teenage sister.
"I had to ask myself a few key questions: what are my skills and what can I do?" She continued her day job but also took on more work after hours. "I started helping out small companies. They spoke to medium companies. Then the larger companies heard about me and eventually, also the big companies took note of my services."
Sibiza said that she loves being an entrepreneur because it doesn't limit her to doing only one thing and to exploring other ideas. "The worst thing you can do is to not promote your business and work wisely with your time. Give it a price tag." She encouraged the entrepreneurs to stay curious and continue bettering themselves through study if possible. Sibiza herself has several qualifications. "I did this because South Africa needs people like me to help build the economy."
She emphasised the importance of believing in yourself, your vision and to keep going.
"Ask questions of those who are making it work, to help you when you get stuck. If you give up, your story dies."
Sister Pedro Meyer from Department of Health spoke on HIV/Aids as part of the commemoration of World Aids Day.
There were lucky draws and three awards were given, namely Best Business Practice, Best Presentation and Best Product Quality.
Photo: Cornelle Carstens