Entrepreneurs Week Attracts 250 Participants
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday September 21, 2015 18:00
Last week, about 250 entrepreneurs across the country attended the two-day workshop that was held under the theme, ‘Promoting youth entrepreneurship as a catalyst towards youth economic empowerment’.
The event was divided into two segments; the first day focused mainly on integrating young businesswomen into the mainstream economy where participants got an opportunity to network with women in leadership positions.
The second day focused on presentations on business financing and banking industry thus unlocking the gateway to improved youth business financing.
Speaking to The Monitor Business, the Chief Executive Officer of Mafila Promotion, Phillip Mfolo, said that the week was dedicated to the success of young entrepreneurs in the country.
“This Business Week is aimed at inspiring and empowering young people to unleash the tiger within and for them to become successful entrepreneurs. By building an entrepreneurial environment for young people, we assist them to realise their ideas thus make a positive impact,” he said.
Mfolo added that he believes young people in the country have the ability and potential to succeed as entrepreneurs as shown by the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey on Botswana.
“All they need is encouragement and support so that they can turn their ideas into successful ventures and through this workshop, they will get support and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs who inspire them,” he said.
According to Mfolo, access to accurate information is critical for one to establish a successful business.
On her part, Gender Affairs Department deputy director, Caroline Okelo, applauded the young women who decided to venture into the business world, saying that they will help curb the unemployment rate.
“Government is proud of your efforts. I urge you to take advantage of the programs that have been availed to help entrepreneurs to strengthen what you have. Listen attentively to the information that will be shared and turn your challenges into possibilities,” she said.
Okelo also advised other participants who are willing to venture into any business that there is a group grant that is available. The grant, which is currently being revised, seeks to empower women with a P250,000 loan for a group that has a majority of women.