iLembe business incubator aims to see entrepreneurs make a success of their ventures

The main challenges faced by many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs and cooperatives) in iLembe district are access to markets, finance and government red tape, which results in cooperatives failing within their first three years.

This was according to Enterprise iLembe CEO Nathi Nkomzwayo who said there are 572 SMMEs and 152 cooperatives registered on their database.

The economic development agency started the iLembe business incubator to assist SMMEs and cooperatives to become sustainable.

It provides support to at least 100 small businesses and cooperatives.

This includes business management training, mentorship and access to resources, markets and finance.

They are also helped to navigate red tape, assisting with Cipro, business licences, tax and VAT.

“Out of the 100 SMMEs assisted, about a third are demonstrating potential to grow and employ more people within iLembe. These SMMEs are dedicated to the incubation programme, have passion for their businesses and lastly, their focus is on sustainability.”

One such entrepreneur is Mbali Ngcobo, who works day and night to keep her fledgling business, Ifutho Paper, running.

Her mini factory at Imbonini Park in Shaka’s Head produces A3 and A4 paper for a number of clients, including Enterprise iLembe.

She said that through their workshops she had realised many entrepreneurs were ignorant of their business needs and failed to handle their finances well.

“A business needs to be treated like a human being. It has needs that must be met by the owner. The money made by your business does not belong to you, it belongs to the business and as an entrepreneur you must have a salary just like your employees and be prepared that sometimes, if things are not going well, you might not get paid.

“I have also learned that you must comply with the regulations, especially SARS. You do not want to be in trouble with the tax man, or you will go down,” said Ngcobo.

Another up and coming entrepreneur is Nkanyiso Mngoma from Doringkop, who runs Inkayiso shoes, Inkayiso Perfume and a clothing label, Ekamu Brands.

Mngoma said entrepreneurs needed to know that the entrepreneurship journey was not an easy one, however worthwhile and fulfilling.

“There are no shortcuts or overnight successes. Many people have taken this route thinking that business is a get-rich-quick scheme. No, it is a journey of pain and tears.

“You must be able to handle rejection and constructive criticism from your clients/customers to improve as you grow,” said Mngoma.

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