Zululand entrepreneurs invited to inaugural rural industrial summit

More than 250 entrepreneurs will attend KZN’s first Rural Industrialisation Summit, connecting rural businesses with markets, finance, skills and partnerships.

1 hour ago

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

Nana Zulu, MD of Bhekithembi Enterprise Development NPC

MORE than 250 entrepreneurs are expected to converge at the Port Durnford community hall from 6 to 8 October.

This as the region hosts its first annual Rural Industrialisation Summit, aimed at unlocking new opportunities for rural businesses.

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The summit will also give 50 entrepreneurs an opportunity to participate in a free nine-month business development programme.

Organised by Bhekithembi Enterprise Development NPC, the three-day information-sharing and exhibition symposium welcomes business leaders, government stakeholders, development organisations and private-sector partners.

The theme is Ukuvuselela: Empowering rural and township communities for trade readiness and an industrial activation platform for small enterprise manufacturing and agro-processing.

Bhekithembi Enterprise Development NPC MD Nana Zulu said the summit hopes to shift the rural economic development conversation from dependency to production, survivalist enterprise to sustainable business, and opportunity-seeking to opportunity-creation.

“The central message is clear. Rural communities should not only consume products and services, they should manufacture, build, supply, trade and own businesses that contribute meaningfully to the economy,” said Zulu.

The summit will tackle practical challenges that often prevent small rural enterprises from accessing larger markets, procurement opportunities and finance.

Key discussions will cover business compliance, Sars, UIF, COIDA, B-BBEE, business banking, financial management, health and safety, food safety, SANAS testing pathways, market access, enterprise development and rural industrialisation.

“Our rural communities are not short of talent, ideas or entrepreneurial spirit. What is often missing is the bridge between that potential and real economic opportunity. This summit is about building that bridge, connecting rural businesses to markets, finance, compliance, technology, skills and strategic partnerships,” said Zulu.

The programme will also showcase businesses and opportunities across sectors including agriculture, construction, electrical services, tyre businesses, décor, manufacturing, food processing and other local industries.

Entrepreneurs interested in attending can register via WhatsApp on 063 9835072 to request a registration form.

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