Published by: The Times of Swaziland
Date: June 29, 2007
By: Nomile Hlatshwayo
TechnoServe is now halfway through the core training phase of the 2007 Believe Begin Become (BBB) business plan competition (BPC).
The BPC Coordinator, Julie Thring, disclosed that the top 60 participants have been going through the intensive core training programme over the past four Saturdays.
Thring explained that the training programme for the top 60 participants will run until July 21, 2007.
“We are very happy with the progress made thus far and feel confident that the hard work by both the participants and trainers will ultimately result in each participant being able to develop a viable and bankable business plan by the end of the eight week training program. The participants and the trainers have shown real dedication and commitment to the programme,” she said.
Research
Apart from attending the training sessions each week, the participants are expected to do further detailed research along with various homework assignments to further enhance their business plans. An external business consultant is assigned to each participant to assist and guide them through the process and act as a mentor.
“Each consultant avails his or her time, thus demonstrating the commitment among Swaziland’s private sector to developing new small- and medium-sized enterprises,” Thring said.
As the training continues, each participant will be required to continue to refine their business plans and submit a full 15 to 20 page business plan after completing the training. The 60 business plans will thereafter be assessed by an independent team of judges selected from the private sector, who will then select the top 20 business plans.
Those participants will qualify to advance to the third and final phase of the competition. Thring said the 20 finalists will be announced during a graduation ceremony scheduled for September 7, 2007.
Sponsors
TechnoServe’s Deputy Director, Lance Stewart, extended his sincere thanks to all the sponsors of the 2007 BBB program including the key stakeholders (trainers, mentors and judges).
He noted that this was an effective way in which local companies and all Swazis could contribute to the development of SME’s and ultimately the economic growth of the country as a whole.
BBB is managed by TechnoServe and funded by the United States Agency for International Development and various other local sponsors, which include The Times of Swaziland, Standard Bank, Mountain Inn, Visceral Films, Nedbank and Swaziland Beverages.
The following is an extract of interviews with a few participants.
“The programme has helped me to understand the need to research and understand my industry. It is intensive but more informative for entrepreneurs who want to establish successful and sustainable businesses,” said Dumsile Nkambule.
Sipho Dludlu said the programme has boosted his confidence and understanding of the challenges that need to be faced when starting a new business.
“The training I am getting has empowered and challenged me to think a lot more deeply about the key elements of starting and operating a profitable and sustainable business. It has helped me to think holistically about my business and this has improved my confidence a great deal,” he said.
Bongani Masilela concurred that the BBB training program has made him believe in himself, sharpen his skills and business knowledge.
He said, “The sessions are very encouraging, supported by a good team of trainers and I appreciate the exposure and the networking opportunity it has provided me. I have had the chance to meet and network with other people who have different business ideas, which in turn has helped me develop along with them even though I have never had any prior formal business training.”
