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Small-to-medium sized business owners get equipped with the relevant skills to establish successful enterprises

Small-to-medium sized business owners get equipped with the relevant skills to establish successful enterprises

Team Namibia concluded and handed over certificates to participants of a Finnish funded entrepreneurial training programme last week at an event at Xwama Cultural Village.

The programme dubbed, the Mobilisation of Production and Trade Capacities of Namibia Small Enterprises in Katutura, honoured the owners of 16 Katutura based SME’s, whom they trained and mentored, by equipping them with the ability to establish successful enterprises.

Barbel Kirchner, Account Director at Team Namibia said out of 400 applicants that wanted to participate in this project, 16 are currently running viable businesses, therefore the training allowed Katutura based entrepreneurs to gain more knowledge and insight in order to run their businesses more effectively, with the creation of sustainable businesses, generations of income and the employment of others.

“With much energy and commitment, we and the Development Consultants for Southern Africa with the constant support of the Finnish Embassy, engaged every one of the participants to ensure that optimal learning is achieved,” she added.

She said that events like the can provide just the encouragement a local business owner needs to continue to keep the economy healthy and can show our national leaders how important the contribution of local businesses are.

“In the current economic environment, there us limited cash in circulation, yet with the obstacles we are facing, our participant have created opportunities for themselves and others in their immediate community,” she added.

HE Ambassador Pirkko-Lisa Kyostila from the Embassy of Finland highlighted the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and how everybody can make a difference by supporting local products and services.

“When you buy a Made in Namibia product, you not only promote job creation and growth, but you also act in a climate wise manner, protecting our beautiful planet earth,” she added.

The 25 day training included basic business principles, preparation of business plans, introduction of marketing, business management and organisation, as well as costing. Additionally, participants were also trained on e-mail, internet and social media marketing.

Products and services provided by the businesses included the production of paper flowers and décor for extensive wedding and events market, the production of marshmallows, cakes, cupcakes and eggs as well as the manufacturing and supply of cleaning material and washing powder.

Services included design, tailoring and sewing, building maintenance, information technology services and low-cost container housing.


 

About The Author

Mandisa Rasmeni

Mandisa Rasmeni has worked as reporter at the Economist for the past five years, first on the entertainment beat but now focussing more on community, social and health reporting. She is a born writer and she believes education is the greatest equalizer. She received her degree in Journalism at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in June 2021. . She is the epitome of perseverance, having started as the newspaper's receptionist in 2013.