Imbokodo Iyazenzela workshop coming up

A PROGRAMME to grow and reward women in small business in KwaZulu-Natal is paying dividends as Ithala Development Finance Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial development agency, continues to host a series of informative workshops until June 2015.

In line with Ithala’s vision to be a catalyst for growth, economic development and empowerment, this year’s theme is around inspiration and motivation for existing and aspirant small business owners.

In partnership with Innate Motion, the workshops will be held over a three-month period and will include 20 interactive business breakfasts with the aim of offering advice, direction and opportunities to women from all walks of life.

The platform seeks to empower women with the necessary skills, knowledge and opportunities to enable their dreams and to motivate them to tread on uncharted territory.

Women running small and micro businesses such as hair salons and spaza shops, and who specialise in, for example, catering and arts and crafts, have the opportunity to attend, learn, share and contribute to each other’s advancement.

 

Other issues raised included business management skills, access to markets, ensuring quality standards and how to obtain mentorship.

 

Workshops have been successfully held in Manguzi, Mbazwana, Ulundi, Newcastle and Eshowe where over 600 local businesswomen have been reached.

 Ithala has an impressive 54-year history of development.The organisation’s commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) and promoting enterprise development was well-known long before other institutions even coined the phrase.

The initiative will culminate in a glittering awards ceremony to be held during Women’s Month in August and will recognise, acknowledge and celebrate women who have advanced in the small business category.

At the breakfast sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to nominate small businesses across various categories that are KZN-based and which people would like to see excel.

A selection process by an expert and independent panel will follow. Once an evaluation process on the businesses and mentoring by Ithala has taken its course, the nominees will go forward to compete with other KZN candidates and finally, the local heroes will be announced.

 

Local workshops will take place in Harding on June 3; in Kokstad on June 4 and in Port Shepstone on June 11.

For more information,  call 076 9564714 or email ithalawomen2015@gmail.com