iLembe Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur programme promotes job creation and economic growth

Apart from significantly growing their businesses, finalists in the iLembe Chamber of Commerce’s annual Entrepreneur programme have collectively created 261 new jobs, making a positive impact on the local economy.

This was revealed at the launch of the 2023 programme at the Chamber’s offices in Ballito last Thursday.

Former participants and winners described the programme as a transformative opportunity that allowed them to unleash their full business potential.

Businessman Tim Johnson, who has served on multiple competition adjudication panels, moderated an engaging group discussion which included last year’s winners, Nicolas and Ricardo Lognath of Omninela Medical and 2019 winner Mbali Khumalo of Taste KZN.

Broadcast live on The North Coast Courier’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, the panel shed light on the remarkable benefits experienced by previous finalists. The trailblazers shared inspiring stories of their respective business development and personal growth.

Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse said since the programme’s inception, 268 community-based businesses have participated, reporting an impressive 50% growth in revenue following their involvement.

The initiative has so far invested more than 17 500 tuition and mentoring man-hours in empowering entrepreneurs with invaluable knowledge and guidance.

Oelofse expressed pride in the iLembe Chamber’s achievements, positioning the Entrepreneur competition as a leading force in entrepreneurial development and SMME support within the iLembe district, KwaZulu-Natal and nationally.

This year the programme will expand its reach through a collaboration with the George Business Chamber, George Airport and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

It will span 10 weeks, providing competition finalists with intensive business modelling education and practical application opportunities.

Co-designed with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, the programme will be complemented by mentorship by accredited mentors representing diverse sectors and professions within the iLembe district.

With the goal of attracting the finest SMME talent in the region, 20 exceptional enterprises will be selected to participate. The first tuition session is scheduled for July 29.

To enter the competition, candidates can download an application form from The Entrepreneur’s website (www.theentrepreneur.net.za or obtain one from the iLembe Chamber offices in Ballito.
Competition entry boxes will also be distributed throughout the district.

Contact Sakhile Khumalo at 087 354 6343 or email sakhile@ilembechamber.co.za.

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