Newcastle Small Business Week a success
Through the small business week, the municipality aims to provide a sustainable and ongoing service to aid economic development in Newcastle.
The Newcastle Small Business Week is the second biggest of its type in the province.
According to organisers, many up and coming entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from the event.
The week gives guests the chance to learn about what state departments and government programs can offer them in terms of training, advice and motivation.
Ferdie Alberts, Director for Department of Economic Development explained the initiative: “The main purpose of the event is to get as much information as possible across to potential small business owners. It also creates the opportunity for government departments to showcase what they offer to the people in terms of driving successful businesses.”
Larger companies contact the department to get into contact with small contractors. The department will then provide the company with a short list from which they can choose the appropriate skill set to assist them in the ventures they undertake.
During the week there were guest speakers on every aspect of business, as well as stalls showing some of the success stories and their products. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to meet the right people to help them with every aspect of succeeding with their small business initiatives.
“All in all, the event has been growing every year for the past three years that we have been organizing it. There are a lot of benefits for all those that attend and they can meet like minded individuals. We offer a great many opportunities to small business owners, from free training to constant advice and support. Through the small business week, we provide a sustainable and ongoing service to help the economic development in Newcastle.”
The turnout this year was better than ever before. Next years’ Small Business Week promises a new format and possibly a bigger venue.
