ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

May 2023.

A cohort of 12 SMMEs from various industry sectors have received working resources and materials to aid in their business growth, as additional support from a development initiative.

Funded by Matla A Bokone Solar, this continued support forms part of its Enterprise Development Accelerator Programme, which aims to empower these entrepreneurs and ensure they have suitable resources for sustainable business operations.

“Developing and strengthening entrepreneurship is key to eliminating unemployment among the youth of our communities. It is about investing in the people, so as to enhance their prosperity and quality of life,” said Lesego Mosiane, Community Liaison Officer for Matla A Bokone Solar.

Following a thorough ‘Needs Analysis’, this initiative has provided invaluable support to female entrepreneurs aged 21-35 years, operating businesses across sectors including, event planning, catering services, and aftercare services for primary school learners, amongst others.This support

will enable SMMEs to improve their business operations, expand their services, and serve a larger community, ultimately creating more job opportunities and contributing to sustainable business development in their respective communities.

Bonolo Ruwana, owner of Dikibo Enterprise and beneficiary, expressed her gratitude for the support, “The equipment, a catering gas burner, that Matla A Bokone Solar provided me has truly helped to sustain my business during the load shedding period currently facing South Africa. I no longer have to turn customers away, as I am able to serve my customers their favourite ‘Sphatlo’s’ (Bunny Chow) even during load shedding.”

The additional support includes equipment and materials such as stainless steel chafing dishes, catering equipment, furniture, photographic equipment, printers, and more, depending on the specific needs identified by the beneficiaries.