Business Growth Support Initiative Launched in Walvis Bay
From soap makers and hairdressers to plumbers, builders, and welders, entrepreneurs are learning new skills to help their run their businesses better and create wealth and jobs.
So far over 50 entrepreneurs have attended components of the EmpowerNamBiz! programme in Walvis Bay, Oranjemund and Windhoek. The programme was launched in Walvis Bay in September and targets assisting many more entrepreneurs over the coming two years.
EmpowerNamBiz! was developed and is run by SMEs Compete with sponsorship of Shell. The programme provides business skills development, mentorship and guidance to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. It combines interactive workshops on topics including how to compile a business plan, book-keeping and compliance, costing and pricing and staff matters, incorporating one-to-one mentorship and growth grants.
The launch programme was attended by 17 entrepreneurs in Walvis Bay, 13 female business owners of businesses including a beauty salon, graphic design business and a garment designer and maker.
At the launch event, in thanking Shell for its support, SMEs Compete’s Danny Meyer, said;
“The SME sector makes an important contribution to the Namibian economy as an engine for job creation. The EmpowerNamBiz! programme will help identify champions deserving of support to grow and create more jobs through practical training, advice and support. Importantly it will focus on multiple regions in Namibia so we can reach SMEs across the country.”
Shell Namibia’s, Nicolene Tjiho-Uaendere, thanked SMEs Compete for their partnership in developing this programme, saying;
"Entrepreneurs are the real gems of Namibia. Meeting the entrepreneurs who have joined the programme and hearing their stories, inspires me. We’re very pleased at Shell Namibia to be part of their journeys and look forward to seeing the progress to come."
Shell has committed N$5million to EmpowerNamBiz! which SMEs Compete will run over two years.
