Small and medium-sized enterprises have the potential to boost South Africa’s anaemic economic growth and to provide much-needed jobs and opportunities for self-development to the millions of unemployed young people. However, according to the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, while 73% of South African working-age adults believe entrepreneurship is a good career choice, only about 45% believe they have the skills to succeed as entrepreneurs and only 9.2% go on to start businesses.
“The focus of the Success Summit is to equip new and current entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to be more confident and competent business people. Young entrepreneurs especially need help developing their marketing, sales, accounting, business planning skills, as well as knowledge on how to access government business. The Success Summit provides opportunities for all of these,” says Dr Mzizana.
In addition to workshops with industry leaders and experts, attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to listen to a line-up of powerful and influential speakers, including deputy minister of trade and industry Mzwandile Masina, Businesswoman of the Year 2015 Nosipho Siwisa-Damasane and Prasa Rail’s Gauteng Manager Tembeka Kulu. Attendees will also have opportunities to secure funding for their businesses and to gain access to mentorship and networking opportunities.
“My experience has shown that networking can make all the difference for new entrepreneurs. Hearing from and interacting with other entrepreneurs helps build confidence and motivation, and creates business opportunities that could take entrepreneurs to the next level,” Dr Mzizana adds.
Tickets are available at www.successsummit.net for R1,000 per delegate, with a 30% discount for members of Success Summit, who enjoy the support, mentorship and other benefits of the programme all year round.
