Business Incubation and Radical Economic Transformation
Last week we introduced the concept of business incubation. We tried to define and explain it with the view to ensure that we achieve a solid basic understanding of the concept. However, the article today is aimed at encouraging big business to play their role in this. I have noticed that our government has come up with several policy guidelines including but not limited to broad based black economic empowerment (BBBE), Employment Equity Act, Skills Development Act, Skills Development and Levies Act and many others. All these are Government efforts to “force” or legislate this process of transformation. I think big business must not do this for compliance but must do it for transformation.
I am sure we have all heard of this concept of “radical economic transformation”. Our government has put this concept of radical economic transformation on the table. The emphasis is on the word “radical”. The question becomes, what makes economic transformation “radical”? I think we cannot achieve radical change by giving black people jobs or even by promoting them to senior posts in government or even in private sector. Now, the idea of affirmative action was the start of this process. Radical economic transformation cannot happen when black people are still employed. Radical economic transformation will happen when black people become employers. The question is now, “how do we move from being employees to become employers”?
In the next section, I argue the reasons why big business must embrace business incubation:
1. It builds a new pipeline for more employers and creates a bigger base to fight unemployment.
2. It will contribute to fighting crime more meaningfully.
3. It is one of the best ways of effecting radical economic transformation.
4. It promotes nation building and forges unity and true citizenry.
5. It reduces the gap between the rich and the poor.
6. It is one of the methods of doing true empowerment. Here you are not handing out the fish but you are teaching people to catch their fish.
7. Your business can help more people and transform communities. One single business can employ only so much but if you incubate small businesses then you can offer employment to more people through those smaller businesses.
8. Your business just “looks nice” by doing something this meaningful (i.e. business incubation). You get good publicity and gain more goodwill in your community.
In order to help entrepreneurs of Tembisa to implement what we are learning via these articles, I have set up what I call the Joseph Achievers Mentoring (JAM) programme . The programme is based on Joseph in the Bible who rose to prominence despite his background. I am encouraging all Tembisa residents to join. This programme is aimed at supporting all residents of Tembisa but it targets mainly entrepreneurs, young professionals, university students and high school learners. It offers a range of support initiatives including career guidance, training and mentoring. Many have enrolled in the programme and receive business management training and mentoring. I challenge you to enrol for JAM in order to propel your life or your business to new heights. To register on JAM, send an email to dlalisa.rhi@gmail.com or call the numbers below.
Join us for our next business incubation seminar where we deal with access to funding and digital marketing. This seminar is confirmed for September 21. Our confirmed conference partners include ABSA, Nedbank, SEDA and Blueberry Brands and Promotions. This seminar is scheduled for September 21, from 9am to 3pm at RoyalHouse International Church (532 Entshonalanga Section, Tembisa). To register for free entry, send your email to dlalisa.rhi@gmail.com
Bring your company registration documents together with tax clearance and BEE certificate.
For more information, contact Pastor WTM Dlalisa on 083 395 1165
