Plan your business, gain confidence, find finance, and then just start
With Bärbel Kirchner at the helm as consulting Account Director, Team Namibia is cooking. In October the local business promoter completed a comprehensive 5-day training programme for existing SMEs and start-ups operating in Windhoek’s Katutura suburb, focussing on advanced planning in business.
With support from the Embassy of Finland, the training is geared to improve the skill of SME owners to improve economic sustainability.
The training resorts under the entrepreneurship development programme ifunded by the Embassy of Finland in partnership with Team Namibia.
Upon conclusion of the 5-day training, Team Namibia said “Business planning allows any aspiring business person to fine-tune and share his or her vision, and thus provide a direction to secure effective implementation of goals.”
“A business plan makes one think and scrutinize about how the business is planned, i.e. identifying the product or service, the target audience and related marketing strategies. An understanding of competitors in the market is important which should be reflected in any documented marketing research. Financial requirements to start up and secure growth of the business will be further clarified.”
Kirchner said “A business plan allows you to zoom in and focus. With a well-thought-out business plan, your idea for a product or service is examined with the help of observation of data and facts. A lot of thinking goes into a business plan, which is critical, and if done well, will also assist to attract the necessary financing.”
“Team Namibia is delighted to be able to support budding entrepreneurs in their business planning. Ultimately, self-employment and creating viable new businesses that provide job opportunities for other fellow Namibian, is the most sustainable way of tackling poverty and ensuring an economic sustainable future,” she continued.
Aspiring entrepreneur, Alweendo Shipopyeni agreed that entrepreneurial training is imperative for transformation, adding that he learned to select the best business ideas and draft a business plan accordingly.
Another trainee, Jenoline Gaogoses said she now knows how to start a proper business. Not only has the training improved her technical knowledge, it has also inspired her. “My mathematical skills have improved as we regularly do business calculations. I have also registered my baking business and l am courageous to be more creative in the baking industry,” she said.
Trainees Helena Shigweda, Matheus Shilamba, Angela Heinrich and Selma Nampila all share the same enthusiasm, commenting that empowerment comes from training and learning and that they are now much more confident to start drafting concrete plans for their businesses.
In the meantime, the trainees are supported through one-on-one coaching and mentoring until the next training module from 12 to 16 February 2018.
