Rural business summit to support local sector

More than 250 entrepreneurs are expected to converge at the Port Durnford community hall next month

22 hours ago

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

Nana Zulu, MD of Bhekithembi Enterprise Development NPC Photo: Supplied

The inaugural Rural Industrialisation Summit from 6 to 8 October is expected to unpack critical aspects for rural entrepreneurs to thrive.

More than 250 entrepreneurs are expected to converge at the Port Durnford community hall for the event, with the aim of unlocking new opportunities for rural businesses.

Organised by Bhekithembi Enterprise Development NPC, this is an information-sharing and exhibition programme bringing together business leaders, government stakeholders, development organisations and private-sector partners.

Topics to be unpacked under different sub-themes by various speakers include:

• Mindset coaching
• Entrepreneurship
• Starting and growing a business in your community
• Marketing your products and services through branding
• Customer service and digital marketing
• Leadership for business growth
• Building resilient and sustainable enterprises
• Business compliance

NPC MD Nana Zulu said the summit seeks 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.

Among the speakers and organisations expected to present useful information at the summit are the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), municipalities, the Department of Agriculture, Moses Kotane Research Institute, Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI), Department of Communications and Technologies, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and private financial institutions.

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