iLembe district entrepreneur hopefuls have begun their mentorship journey as part of the iLembe Chamber of Commerce entrepreneur competition.

Twenty-one entrepreneurs attended a training session at the iLembe Chamber offices on Saturday

This year’s competition began at the end of July, with 28 entrepreneurs from KwaDukuza and one each from Maphumulo, Ndwedwe and Mandeni participating.

The entrepreneur programme is a tried and tested initiative providing local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with a platform to develop their businesses to a sustainable level.

Through a University of KwaZulu-Natal accredited curriculum and support from iLembe Chamber accredited mentors, the programme helps finalists to critically examine their businesses.

Through workshops they gain management skills, knowledge and business mentoring, as well as guidance to draw up comprehensive business plans and develop corporate identities and professional marketing strategies.

Chamber’s CEO, Cobus Oelofse said he is delighted by the quality of the businesses that made it through the selection process to take part as finalists.

“It demonstrated the depth and strength of the entrepreneurial activity in our district. As a business accelerator programme, The Entrepreneur programme will equip these businesses with the skills to develop into robust enterprises, stable and self-sufficient,” said Oelofse.

The entrepreneur competition is presented by the iLembe Chamber in partnership with Enterprise iLembe, ACSA King Shaka International Airport, The North Coast Courier, Siza Water and ENGIE Peakers Operations.

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