Palapye Business Expo to empower youth SMMEs

Lindiwe Mozola | Wednesday May 24, 2017 14:59

Kedumetse Olaotse, the director of Paramount Springs, who are the organisers of the expo that will be held at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), said the expo is aimed at creating a marketing and promotion platform for small and medium enterprises owned by the youth. 

He said youth-owned companies have the potential to grow and create jobs for other young people.

Olaotse is of the view that many businesses that suffer the most are those owned by the youth especially those funded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development due to lack of skills and market exposure.

“The Ministry of Youth in Palapye has sponsored a significant number in this region and the biggest challenge is marketing and promotion. This expo will be aimed at these aspects of business due to the fact that marketing and promotions are costly to infant businesses,” he said.

He added that new and small establishments often struggle with marketing and promotion due to lack of funds and little exposure more especially those located in the villages.

Therefore, he said, the expo will focus mainly in giving these businesses the opportunity to market and showcase their services and products to the public.

He added that this will also give the SMMEs an opportunity to capture prospective clients and customers in a well-facilitated environment.

It will also be essential for networking and possible mergers as well as partnership in establishing new projects.

Olaotse further said the event is targeting all business owners, foreign companies, Central District entrepreneurs and aspiring youths who want to venture into business.

He said they want to build a culture of entrepreneurship in the Central District aimed at drawing the north and south market into one place.

“This event has the potential to grow every year due to the fact that more businesses are moving to the central part of Botswana in search of greener pastures.

Already four shopping malls and schools are being built in Palapye and the mining sector gives it a boost as well. Furthermore the hospitality industry is growing and residents are building houses to accommodate the growth,” he said.

Olaotse said their expectation is to make the Palapye Business Expo an annual event jointly with business associations, government departments, educational establishments and enterprises. The expo will attract SMMEs from Mahalapye, Serowe, Palapye and the surrounding areas.

“Viewing and purchasing of products and services by the public at the expo will also accord entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet new investors and clientele,” said Olaotse.