Local businesses invited: Entries open for 'The Entrepreneur'

GEORGE NEWS - Entries are open for 'The Entrepreneur', a new, intensive business training and mentorship programme for local businesses with an annual turnover of up to R6m.

The programme is an initiative of George Business Chamber in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). Entries opened this morning, Friday 7 July.

At the official launch of The Entrepreneur at Oubaai Hotel yesterday, Thursday 6 July, chamber chairperson Dr Willie Cilliers said with Acsa also backing it, this is a flagship programme where specialists in business management will conduct the training and mentoring. "This is an entrepreneurship programme that can put your business on a fast track to success and take it to new heights. The training is aimed at unlocking new opportunities for the selected businesses."

He compared an entrepreneur's work to a pilot flying an airplane - daunting at first while you are still learning and on the runway, but exhilarating when you take flight with the control stick in your own hands. "This flagship programme will help you get off the runway to fly, and will provide support all the way. All facets of business, including creating an online presence and marketing, will be handled. This is an all-encompassing course."

George is the second business chamber where Acsa is sponsoring the programme. It was first presented by the Ilembe Chamber in Ballito.

Training will be provided over seven Saturdays, from 09:00 to 13:00, in a classroom setup. During this period, selected voluntary mentors will be at hand to guide participants in a practical way.

Entries close on 2 August, after which 25 participants will be selected through a screening process. To enter, a business must have been in operation for at least 12 months.
Training will conclude in November when all participants will have the opportunity to take part in an exhibition where the top three winners will be announced. The prizes will be business-related equipment to enhance their businesses.

At the launch function, from left: George Chamber exco members Katlego Bodibe and Nadia Harmse, Pacaltsdorp Business Chamber chairperson Luwayda Tarentaal, George Chamber manager Bernadette Schaap and secretary Mary-Anne Loose. Photos: Alida de BeerEmpowering local business to stimulate economy, job creation
George Airport manager Brenda Vorster said local businesses have been slow to take up opportunities offered through tenders at the airport. Partly, the aim of The Entrepreneur programme is to lift businesses to a level that would not only benefit the community through job creation, but also Acsa that is looking for local service providers so that its spend can enrich the local economy.

George Mayor Leon van Wyk gave a special message of support, mentioning that the municipality is doing what it can to attract events to George throughout the year in order to create more spending locally to support the business sector. Various annual sporting events, some of which draw participation from overseas, are now part of the annual George calendar and the municipality is always trying to expand on this. The extensive infrastructure expansion the municipality has undertaken and that is ongoing is part of the local authority's efforts to create an environment conducive to business and investment so that the local economy can be stimulated.

Nelson Mandela University George Campus communications manager Milisa Piko encouraged the business chamber to make use of the expertise offered by the academics on campus. "Academics are solution-driven and we have a wealth of knowledge to offer the business sector," she said.

The Acsa team that attended the launch of The Entrepreneur, from left: Nomzamo Thala, Kgomotso Aphane, Phakama Amos, Nontuthuzelo Timothy, George Airport manager Brenda Vorster and Anel Pienaar.Entry forms
Business owners who want to be considered for The Entrepreneur, may obtain entry forms from the chamber's website or office, the George Tourism office, the Garden Route Mall information office as well as the business chambers of Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp and Uniondale. Businesses in the Garden Route may enter.

For more information on The Entrepreneur programme, phone the George Chamber office on 044 874 3349 or 083 303 7801. Entries can be emailed to info@georgechamber.co.za.

At the launch of The Entrepreneur programme, from left: Dr Willie Cilliers, George Airport manager Brenda Vorster, NMU George Campus communications manager Milisa Piko and George Mayor Leon van Wyk. Photo: Alida de Beer