So said Willie Cilliers, president of the GBC, after the chamber was named the best AHI chamber in the country. The announcement was made last week Friday at the AHI national congress in Durban, where they received the President's Cup and a diploma as Business Chamber of the Year. It was also announced that the GBC will host the national AHI congress next year.
Cilliers would like to see improved collaboration between the private business sector, the George Municipality, as well as national government.
"We need to focus on young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35. Everybody needs to get on board," said Cilliers. "We can start by asking pro-perty owners to lower their rental prices, and help these young entrepreneurs to enter the formal business sector."
During an interview with the George Herald, Cilliers explained that one of the GBC's projects, in which 30 entrepreneurs of Thembalethu received training and guidance with business plans, heavily tipped the winning scales in their favour.
Cilliers funded the project himself. The project took place in July and will be repeated before the end of the year.
"We taught the entrepreneurs that you don't have to wait for the state to provide funds to start a business. You can do it from scratch, with your own available funds and resources," said Cilliers.
Three of the entrepreneurs who did the training course entered their business plans for an AHI competition. They were invited by the AHI to attend the congress in Durban, where they also received certificates. Gloria Qumba, Tyson Sharpe and
Gcobani Ntsendwa travelled by plane with Cilliers to attend the prestigious event. They were three of only 13 entrepreneurs countrywide who were invited to attend the function.
According to Cilliers, the award is a great boost as the Southern Cape economy is perceived to be under pressure. "It shows that George and the entire Southern Cape is up to the challenge and the support is available," said Cilliers.
Alan Winde, Western Cape minister for economic opportunities, will be the guest speaker at the GBC's gala event tomorrow evening at Bygracealone, outside George. Christo van der Rheede, CEO of the AHI, is also on the guest list. The businessman of the year will be announced at this event, which is a highlight on the local business calendar.
"We've got it!" Ingrid Cronjé (left), manager of the George Business Chamber (GBC), Willie Cilliers, president of the GBC, and Mary-Anne Loose, secretary of the GBC, will celebrate their victory in full during the chamber's gala evening tomorrow at Bygracealone. Photos: Michelle Pienaar
ARTICLE: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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