SMME BUSINESS AND NETWORKING CONFERENCE

The Wild Coast Sun is hosting a 2-day SMME Business And Networking Conference which is set to help educate SMMES with information and the processes to follow when applying for funding.

The government departments that were part of the conference on day 1 were, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEFA), Eastern Cape Department of Economic Developmental Affairs and Tourism (DETEAT) Alfred Ndzo, Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEDA)

Lutsha Empowerment SA was part of the conference.

Pondoland Times spoke with few SMMEs that were part of the conference regarding challenges they face and the internal questions they had prior the conference, and whether or not those questions were answered.

Amanda Mangxola who is the owner of Zuhide Genuine leather said, she started her business after being retrenched and she is currently struggling financially as she is pouring in and not getting anything back. She also expressed how the information presented in the conference is not as practical when you get to the institutions. Amanda said however she is very impressed with the SMMES who was part of the conference.

Siphokazi Nogojela founder of Poshya Printing and Branding said she appreciates this networking opportunity as she is shy and fails to approach clients but the conference has helped her with Networking.

Thuthula Madikizela founder of Zant Creations said, she is self-taught in what she does and she needs proper training that would eventually open up a market to supply retail shops. She added that the biggest challenge is lack of information, she said SMMES do not have enough information when it comes to funding she is hoping that this conference will help. Thuthula said they plead with funders to give feedback on reasons why one did not qualify or receive funding.

The question of Mentoring rose during the conference, majority of SMMES struggle with knowledge with regards to funding requirements.

Chief Baleni of Amanda honoured the Conference with his presence, he said he encourages SMMEs to go to the leaders and seek knowledge and clarity in things they don’t understand.

Lubabalo Vincent Bulala (SED and Community Engagement Manager Wild coast Sun) said, day one of the conferences went very well, the attendance was great and the presentation from government officials was impressive and diverse. As the Wild Coast Sun, they are going to work with the SMMES to Avoid repetition of services.

The Wild Coast Sun is hosting a 2-day SMME Business And Networking Conference which is set to help educate SMMES with information and the processes to follow when applying for funding.

The government departments that were part of the conference on day 1 were, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEFA), Eastern Cape Department of Economic Developmental Affairs and Tourism (DETEAT) Alfred Ndzo, Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEDA)

Lutsha Empowerment SA was part of the conference.

Pondoland Times spoke with few SMMEs that were part of the conference regarding challenges they face and the internal questions they had prior the conference, and whether or not those questions were answered.

Amanda Mangxola who is the owner of Zuhide Genuine Leather said, she started her business after being retrenched and she is currently struggling financially as she is pouring in and not getting anything back. She also expressed how the information presented in the conference is not as practical when you get to the institutions. Amanda said however she is very impressed with the SMMES who were part to the conference.

Siphokazi Nogojela founder of Poshy A Printing and Branding said she appreciates this networking opportunity as she is shy and fails to approach clients but conference has helped her with Networking.

Thuthula Madikizela founder of Zant Creations said, she is self-taught in what she does and she needs proper training that would eventually open up a market to supply retail shops. She added that the biggest challenge is lack of information, she said SMMES do not have enough information when it comes to funding, she is hoping that this conference will help. Thuthula said they plead with funders to give feedback on reasons why one did not qualify or receive funding.

The question of Mentoring rose during the conference, majority of SMMES struggle with knowledge with regards to funding requirements.

Chief Baleni of Amanda honoured the Conference with his presence, he said he encourages SMMEs to go to the leaders and seek knowledge and clarity in things they don’t understand.

Lubabalo Vincent Bulala (SED and Community Engagement Manager Wild Coast Sun) said, day one of the conference went very well, the attendance was great and the presentations from government officials were impressive and diverse. As the Wild Coast Sun they are going to work with the SMMES to Avoid repetition of services.