Hundreds of young entrepreneurs from Blouberg and Molemole local municipalities have been connected with funding opportunities, business support services, mentorship and professional networks through recent information-sharing events.
Hosted by Soutpan Solar Power in collaboration with the two municipalities, government departments, funding and development agencies and private-sector stakeholders, the events brought together 350 young and emerging entrepreneurs. Participants gained practical information on opportunities to start, strengthen and grow their businesses, while engaging directly with high value stakeholders.
The majority of the business owners, or those still developing their ideas, operate in crop and livestock farming and manufacturing, alongside a smaller number of start-up non-profit and non-governmental organisations.
A representative from Molemole Municipality said young entrepreneurs have an important role to play in stimulating economic activity and creating jobs within local communities, but that many face barriers including limited access to finance, business skills and professional networks.
“The partnership with Soutpan Solar Power has helped to close some of these gaps by bringing together stakeholders, support institutions and young entrepreneurs. This ensures that young people are better equipped with the information and connections they need to pursue and sustain business opportunities,” said Miss Tabudi Nchinyane from Molemole Municipality
While access to finance was a key concern raised by participants, the discussions highlighted that young entrepreneurs face a range of challenges that extend beyond funding.
“Many young people have innovative ideas and the determination to start businesses, but they often lack access to funding, mentorship, markets and business development support. This initiative has provided an important platform to connect young entrepreneurs with opportunities, information and support networks that can help them grow their businesses and contribute to local economic development,” explained, Mrs Evelyn Stati from Blouberg Municipality, saying that youth entrepreneurship is important in creating sustainable livelihoods and addressing unemployment in local communities.
Compliance requirements, market access, business skills, equipment and mentorship were among the most common issues raised. These challenges are particularly significant in communities where businesses operate against a backdrop of high unemployment, limited investment, intense competition among small businesses and relatively few opportunities for formal business management and entrepreneurial training.
For young entrepreneurs, knowing where to find support and how to access it can therefore be an important first step.
The information-sharing sessions included representatives from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEFDA), Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), SARS, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and National Empowerment Fund (NEF).
“For many, the sessions provided an opportunity to find out about funding and business support programmes directly from the institutions responsible for providing them, while also creating opportunities to engage with potential partners, mentors and fellow entrepreneurs,” concluded Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Manager at Soutpan Solar Power, who funded this as part of its Youth Skills Development Programme.
