Take your business to new heights
"We don't focus on what the competition is but what it empowers, and it empowers people to find power in their own right" - Chris Voysey
The Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism successfully launched their 2016 Entrepreneur competition with a smooth take off on May 19 at the chamber office in Ballito.
With more than R60 000 in free advertising sponsored by The North Coast Courier, business development, funding, media exposure, business development mentoring and networking opportunities all up for grabs, its going to be a white-knuckle race to select the savviest entrepreneur in the district.
The programme has evolved its branding with a new catchphrase of “Take your business to new heights” to complement the aviation theme for the 2016 competition.
The competition was initiated by the Ilembe Chamber six years ago with the support of their main sponsors – ACSA King Shaka International Airport, Enterprise Ilembe and The North Coast Courier – aims to support established, small business owners in developing their respective businesses to a sustainable level.
The content of the programme presents finalists with a diagnostic appreciation of their businesses and the development of entrepreneurial skills through 12 weeks of mentoring and tutoring. Part of the programme has been designed by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and USA-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Finalists will also be supported through mentorship by Chamber accredited mentors – “grey-heads” with invaluable business experience. The result will be to give them a solid understanding of their business and its value to the community and economy.
Long-time mentor, Chris Voysey from Chris Voysey Marketing and Communications said, “We don’t focus on what the competition is but what it empowers, and it empowers people to find power in their own right.”
The challenge of unemployment and the poor economic development in Ilembe was one of the many inspirations for the competition.
Reminding young entrepreneurs of their potential, Collin Naidoo from King Shaka airport said that a good foundation was crucial to the success of any business enterprise.
“A pilot cannot just take off. He starts off on a runway with a solid foundation, he starts off low before he begins to fly. There may be failures along the way but with perseverance, the business can be taken to great heights, ” said Naidoo.
Enter now!
Entries are now open for a period of six weeks with the first tuition session taking place on July 9. Application forms are available at the Ilembe Chamber office or online at www.ilembechamber.co.za.
For more information contact Sakhile Khumalo at sakhile@ilembechamber.co.za or 087 354 6343.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
