​​​The City’s Opportunity Centre at the Joburg Market is hosting an information-sharing networking session on Friday, 24 March to provide Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with business acumen. The SMME event, which will be held at the Braamfontein Recreation Centre as part of plans to eliminate unemployment and create economic opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, will feature commercial banks, government entities, and other private sector stakeholders.

​Exhibitors will offer attendees insight into how to start a business and comply with legal statutes. It will also focus on the intricacies of business development and ways to obtain funding to expand and operate a prosperous business.

Entrepreneurs will also learn how to leverage business opportunities through financial literacy, strategic thinking, problem solving, and leadership.

Akona Bovula, the manager of the Opportunity Centre at the Market, says the information sharing session is an excellent platform for attendees to network with likeminded entrepreneurs and other stakeholders with similar interests or expertise.

Bovula says this will afford them the opportunity to exchange knowledge and build connections.

“We have invited different stakeholders and entities to inspire and encourage young entrepreneurs by sharing information about the services they offer and how aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from them,” Bovula says.

She notes that creating opportunities for SMMEs is a vital facet of opportunity centres.

“The session will include a comprehensive list of financial advisors to share business ideas that enable SMMEs to explore other entrepreneurial opportunities,” she adds.

On the day, the University of Johannesburg’s Centre of Entrepreneurs, Proudly SA, SEP, the Innovation Hub, and other entities will unpack industry knowledge with participants, including how to make informed decisions, analyse the competition, identify potential growth opportunities, and manage resources efficiently.

“The session will also look into various challenges faced by small businesses and provide viable solutions to fill in the gap,” she adds.

The information sharing session is open to SMMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs within the City of Johannesburg who want to explore opportunities to accelerate growth in their businesses.

Bovula encourages SMMEs and first-time business owners, particularly budding entrepreneurs who are just starting a business and are unsure how to proceed, to attend the event.

“We have long been committed to assisting small businesses with advice and coaching skills on how they can do things better to thrive. It is important to have these conversations with experts under one roof to share knowledge and advice,” she notes.

The information sharing session is free of charge, and proceedings will kick off at 9am and end at 2pm.

Those interested in attending can RSVP on 083 702 9712.