Soweto entrepreneurs get schooled
Vilakazi has become more than just an entertainment hub.
Santam launched a financial education training programme for local upcoming entrepreneurs. The launch was held at the Box Shop situated on Vilakazi Street in Orlando West.
The initiative is part of the broader consumer education strategy initiated by Santam aimed at creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and SMMEs.
Entrepreneurs from across Soweto who own start-ups in various sectors got a chance to learn about different aspects of running a business.
Training is offered for free to all entrepreneurs who are already running their businesses in and around Soweto. The programme is expected to go on for the duration of ten months.
Ray-Ann Sedres who is the head of transformation said the programme is in line with the government’s drive to revitalise township economies while combating the challenges of poverty, unemployment and economic inequality.
“Our mission is to make SMMEs sustainable through education. Small businesses are playing a big role in creating employment in our country and as a result it is important for us to empower them,” said Sedres.
Santam is investing about R12 million annually in a nationwide programme aimed at uplifting small businesses. Simphiwe Buthelezi from Siyayenzalento Tours is one of the beneficiaries of the programme.
He attended training which equipped him with skills ranging from budgeting to marketing and branding.
“This training has been very helpful to me and the business. The most important thing I have learned is money management and budgeting. I would like to encourage other small business owners from Soweto to come join the programme,” said Buthelezi.
Martine Solomon who is in charge of the actual training said one of the common challenge small businesses in Soweto face is that they don’t understand that they are brands.
“They don’t understand the importance of brand awareness in growing their businesses. The other challenge is that they don’t know where to go for compliance.
“They have brilliant ideas but their businesses don’t prosper because they don’t know where to go for what,” said Solomon.
The doors of learning are still open for local entrepreneurs at the Box Shop situated in Vilakazi Street.
It doesn’t end with training but the programme creates a conducive environment for local entrepreneurs to get access to markets.
