uThukela rewards entrepreneurs for outstanding achievements
Each entrepreneur was awarded new branding and a logo to rocket them towards a successful future
Winners were awarded for their outstanding achievements in the uThukela Entrepreneurship competition that was held on Thursday afternoon at Ladysmith Country Club.
Small business owners showed their mettle when they decided to enter themselves into the uThukela Entrepreneurship competition and 25 of them were successfully interviewed and selected to take part in a rigorous and informative eight-week programme that ran every Saturday from September 5 till October 31 at Ladysmith Country Club.
Each candidate learnt something insightful and useful from guest facilitators who brought their own unique information to the candidates. Guest speakers who imparted their knowledge included Leon Grove, Shan Cade, Brian Moores-Pitt, Cliford Madondo and Nathan Elston.
They are thanked for their time, effort and enthusiasm. Also a very big thank you to the steering committee. Without your support and time, this project would not have been possible.
Candidates were given mentors in the form of successful big business owners from in and around Ladysmith; mentors who offered their time and advice when it came to the entrepreneurs’ business plans and homework activities.
These plans and activities would later help entrepreneurs to complete the final phase of this competition, a bankable business plan and overall adjudication, and then the announcement of the winners.
Thank you to the mentors!
Each entrepreneur was awarded new branding and a logo to rocket them towards a successful future!
Nathan Elston from Webxsite is the creative mastermind behind each new logo, helping each entrepreneur individually and putting a unique twist on their logo and branding.
Nobody left this competition empty-handed or headed. With buckets full of knowledge and hearts filled with drive and positivity, these small business owners are ready to make their mark on the community. It is said that by supporting a small business, you are not buying a CEO his second holiday home or third Mercedes…
You are helping to buy a little girl dancing shoes and putting food on a family’s table! A proud Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce manager Jennifer Wallace said, “Each business owner has a story of how they came to be and I admire each and every one of them, I am so proud!”
This competition would not have been possible without funding from the EDTEA and uThukela District Municipality, as well as dedication from the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Jennifer Wallace and Kim Steenkamp (Chamber president) have enjoyed this as much as each and every candidate and would like to thank each entrepreneur for their undying drive and motivation.
“Each of you are filled with endless possibilities, may your success and thirst for success and knowledge never cease! All the best as you sail towards a brighter future.”
Congratulations to our winners: First place – Lizzy Twala of Sizahulumeni Trading (R35,000 in business support); second place – Zamokuhle Sibeko of Contiblox Trading (R15,000 in business support); third place – Lindokuhle Msibi of Nokwin Design Studio (R10,000 in business support). A special mention to: fourth place – Ntombifuthi Mlambo of Thuthukisanani Co-Op; fifth place – Cebisile Buthelezi of Cebisile Fashion Academy.
