The City’s Opportunity Centre at Joburg Market in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg’s Business Clinic within the Department of Business Management empowered several small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) from Soweto and surrounds. Themed ‘One Day Fix Your Business’, the event at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus on Friday, 08 March 2024, equipped over 100 small business owners with information around applying for compliance documents and solutions to growing their businesses. It kicked off with an inspiring speech by Prof Naudé Malan, the Associate Professor of business management at the University of Johannesburg, who highlighted the importance of starting small and dreaming big in the entrepreneurial journey.
“The clinic is designed and developed to share our expertise not only with Sowetans but with South Africans at large. We are honoured to be assisting entrepreneurs in addressing challenges, including business registration, which is a challenging task for many entrepreneurs,” said Professor Malan.
He also spoke of one of UJ’s projects, Izindaba Zokudla, which is aimed at creating opportunities for urban agriculture within a sustainable food system in Soweto.
Fueled by the exchange of ideas and solutions, participants shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, which all contributed to a day filled with ideas and solutions.
Representing the Opportunity Centre at Joburg Market, Akona Bovula highlighted the resources available to aspiring and established business owners at the Joburg Market Opportunity Centre including general business information and guidance, company registration, business plan assessments to name a few.
Dr Lawrence Seseni, a lecturer at the University, along with Hector Sigidi, the director at Rivoni Training and Communications, also shared insights, strategies, and tips to assist entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
Dr Seseni shed light on success stories such as Mkhaya, an online store that has helped small local entrepreneurs’ businesses grow since its launch.
Attendees were provided with an online form to document their challenges, which will be addressed in upcoming events, ensuring ongoing support and guidance for the local businesses.
“Attending this event was truly enlightening for me as a business owner,” said Nomhlango Mthembu, the owner of Yummy Food and Projects from Senaoane, Soweto.
“It is motivating to see there’s a wealth of support and resources out there. It is up to us as entrepreneurs to seize these opportunities and make the most of them,” said Mthembu.
Written by Getrude Mamabolo
08/03/2024
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