The Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI) at Orbit TVET College held a Women in Business Seminar on November last Friday. It was titled "Breaking New Ground," and it was an occasion to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Month. The event emphasized female entrepreneurship's role in addressing the nation's unemployment crisis and provided them with valuable insights and opportunities.
The Centre Manager, Peter Matlou, highlighted the event's focus on supporting emerging and disadvantaged businesses, empowering local female entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the competitive business landscape, and providing an entrepreneurial platform for female-owned Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to transition from job seekers to creators.
CFERI is a leading organisation empowering entrepreneurs for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), providing training, coaching, mentoring, and economic participation for women, youth, and individuals with disabilities through access to entrepreneurial education and business development, thereby promoting economic inclusion.
Matlou urged attendees to share their innovative business ideas at the centre, promising unwavering support and guidance to turn these ideas into successful enterprises. Basetsana Setshogoe, a business owner and Orbit TVET College alumna, highlighted the crucial role of institutions like CFERI in nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs and the need for robust support structures in an economic climate reliant on employment creators.
The seminar provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to gain empowerment and hope, highlighting CFERI's commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth and reaffirming its role as a catalyst for change. Orbit TVET College Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI) was established in 2016 by then Minister of Small Medium Enterprise Development, Lindiwe Sisulu, at Mankwe Orbit TVET College in Mogwase.
CFERI has become an entrepreneurship hub, facilitating business development for local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Bojanala District. Services offered include initiation and information on entrepreneurship, company registration, SARS filling, office space, free Wi-Fi, telephone service, and boardroom space for meetings.
“Starting a business has never been a smooth ride for me, just when I thought we were starting to gain momentum, Covid-19 happened, and I was forced to look at new ways of streamlining my business approach. I want to encourage you to embrace technology, adjust and adapt to this ever-changing world. "Don’t be stuck on one product or service. Start thinking about whether you’re still going to be able to provide the service as technology changes – look for new ways to improve your services. "
Never allow the lack of finances to stop you from achieving what you want. Start now with what you have no matter how small. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, go for something natural to you, something you know and are passionate about. "Be able to deliver something different, and most importantly, know your niche and stick to it,” said Basetsana.
The speaker was impressed by the Centre's commitment to developing future-fit entrepreneurs and encouraging youth to be economic influencers and game changers. She encouraged young women to stand up for themselves and not be intimidated by the opposite genders. She believes that they are capable and sufficient, and as 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse approaches, they should not let themselves be victims.
She believes that they can achieve anything they put their minds to and that they are capable of anything they put their minds to. Abe Mogashoa, Head of Unit Local Economic Development and member of the CFERI Board has announced a partnership with the centre to assist locals with their business needs. He said the municipality plans to take their relationship with CFERI to the next level by attending events like the Tourism Indaba and bringing its own artists to events like Mahika Mahika.
Mogashoa aims to initiate a process of economic emancipation and revolution through this partnership, encouraging locals to shift their mindsets and innovate by pitching new sustainable business concepts. The seminar drew special attention to the potential and resilience of female entrepreneurs, highlighting CFERI's commitment to fostering a conducive business environment.
It left a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape, inspiring female entrepreneurs to become architects of economic progress, breaking barriers, and leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape.
