The City’s Simunye Opportunity Centre within the Department of Economic Development, located in Danie van Zyl Hall successfully empowered over 70 female entrepreneurs with its event themed ‘Empowering Community Female Entrepreneurs’ on 29 August 2024.
The event aimed at bringing together dynamic female entrepreneurs from the Region B community to network, share experiences and gain insights from industry experts brought together women in business from various sectors, such as construction, agriculture and others with a goal of celebrating their determination and growing their businesses.
The event provided attendees with business advice, motivations, and empowerment, covering important aspects of business planning, funding, and many more.
Vanessa Manganye, a Business Adviser at Simunye Opportunity Centre, highlighted on the importance of bringing such impactful events to SMMEs. “By hosting events of this calibre, we aim to equip our SMMEs, especially female entrepreneurs, with the tools they need to succeed. These initiatives allow us to come together, celebrate their achievements, inspire one another, and grow together in business.”
Several key stakeholders were present, including the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), BizTweak, LeboJoy Foundation, and EnviroParks, each offering insights into unique opportunities available to emerging small businesses.
The LeboJoy Foundation provided training to over 20 women in attendance covering skills such as candle making, soap making, and nail care.
Financial Adviser at LeboJoy Foundation, Moses Ndlovu, highlighted the importance of these skills in empowering women to start their businesses. “Today, by offering these skills, we hope to see these women running their own businesses, excelling, and making money to support their families. This is our way of combating social ills by empowering, uplifting, and growing the community.”
Phumelelo Mhlambi, Information Officer from SEDA, also spoke about the services they offer to support small businesses from general business information, counselling, and business support services.
Maymoona Small and Shallen Petersen, who are in the construction industry, praised the Opportunity Centre for its ongoing efforts to better their businesses. “We are grateful for the Centre’s continuous programs that are always aimed at improving our businesses.”
The Department of Economic Development operates nine Opportunity Centres across the city, along with an OC Mobile Bus. Visit your nearest Opportunity Centre to discover the opportunities available for SMMEs.
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