But if that’s the case then why SMMEs (mainly blacks) are overlooked? Is it because of they lack skills, have no access to funding, possess no capacity or is it a race card?
Albeit this question will remain lingering in our minds for as long we live, the truth is the game will and shall not CHANGE.
However, being an optimist as I am, J&B Hive hosted a panel discussion with SA’s thought-leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss various ways in which consumers, communities and large enterprises can best support and address the critical state of small businesses to kickstart Global Entrepreneur Week (GEW) in Jozi recently.
It brought the likes businessman DJ Sbu, Sibusiso Ngwenya; mastermind behind SkinnySbu Socks, Nubian Bride Magazine creator, wedding & event planner; Precious The Planner and the founder of BrownsenseMzuzukile Soni, who were joined by the panel from J&B Hive such asLethabo Mokoena of Walkfresh, Bedoo’s creator Nombusio Nkosi and Sthe Mpehle Head of Dipopaai, to interrogate challenges faced by SMMEs and how to rectify them.
Each member pointed out the do’s and don’ts they’ve personally experienced and still do, as they try to mitigate their way to make it in this cut-throat business world.
Since this being a Global Entrepreneur Week, would be entrepreneurs and emerging businesses have been encouraged to visit various platforms from J&B Hive to access more information or visit the installation in Newtown Junction from Sunday 17 November to Sunday 24 November and take a pledge to support entrepreneurship.
The J&B Hive takes a stand during GEW by encouraging South Africans to play their part and support small businesses by procuring locally. The pledge is part of an art installation in the form of mannequins where three out of ten mannequins were standing, while the rest are lying on the ground to highlight the contrast between businesses that succeed (30%) and those that fail (70%).
“The J&B Hive has garnered a well-deserved reputation as the creative nerve centre of Johannesburg, where entrepreneurs and young businesses are incubated in a space that encourages creativity, innovation and disruption.
The activity during Global Entrepreneur Week reinforces the many strides made by J&B Hive where small businesses and entrepreneurs on the rise is concerned,” says Nana Akua Twerefoo, J&B Whisky Senior Brand Manager.
The J&B Hive was initiated in 2015 and during GEW in November, South Africa joins over 170 countries in bringing awareness and supporting local businesses.
Yes, local is lekker, but is it developed and economically supported though?
For more information go to Global Entrepreneur Week activities by visiting https://www.thehivejohannesburg.com
Image (DJ Sbu and other J&B Hive members at the GEW launch in Jozi).
