SMMEs urged to utilise gov�t funding schemes
Lindiwe Mozola | Wednesday May 31, 2017 15:49
Goya was officiating at the inaugural Palapye Business Expo held at Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) over the weekend.
Goya who is also Assistant Minister of Basic Education said that one of the government‘s mandate is to improve the business environment for the survival of the businesses, more especially the SMMEs.
“Hence many initiatives in place to stimulate further growth of your businesses, I therefore urge you to utilise the funding schemes to boost your enterprises and align them with the international standard,” he said.
He stated that many SMMEs are faced with challenges especially that of tough competition as most of the times they produce the same products /services in one place.
He said that in order for one to make it they need to stand out among the rest hence SMMEs need creativity and innovative skills.
“You need to prepare today for tomorrow’s competition because it is going to be tougher therefore take the entire necessary risk in improving your services so that you survive the tough times ahead. Many small enterprises collapses before they can even start because entrepreneurs are afraid to take risks and be creative in order to meet the international standards,” Goya said.
He also pointed out that entrepreneurs should use platforms such as the expo to form partnership for sustainable linkages as well as attract investors.
Goya also believes that Palapye is the next innovation hub stating that entrepreneurs should take advantage of the available resources in building their businesses.
He said that many investors would in the near future look for opportunities in Palapye since other places such as Gaborone and Francistown are now congested.
“We have everything here from water, electricity and land to mention but a few, so this is your time as SMMEs to build your empire to attract investors both locally and foreign investors and this can only happen if you apply quality measures and take advantage of those available resources,” he said.
Goya also applauded the organisers of the Expo, Paramount Springs for the job well-done noting that although it is first of its kind it was very successful. Palapye assistant district commissioner Ernest Phiri shared same sentiment as the MP that the government has opened many avenues to support SMMEs.
He said that his office is also open to assist entrepreneurs to establish and grow their enterprises more especially women, disabled and the youth.
However he said most of the times small entrepreneurs are reluctant to use the opportunities granted by the government more especially in bidding for tenders.
“I also urge you to register your businesses with our office so that when we are tendering your names are also included,” he said.
Phiri also assured to support and forge a partnership with Palapye business expo in making it bigger and better.
The expo attracted around 40 stalls and the organisers are the beneficiaries of the government youth grant under community initiative projects to the tune of P450,000.