Young entrepreneurs from more than 70 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefitted from a SME Business Finance Clinic hosted by the North-West University (NWU).

The Small Business Advisory Bureau (SBAB) of the NWU’s Business School, in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), recently hosted an SME Business Finance Clinic to empower young entrepreneurs and youth-owned cooperatives.

The primary goal of the clinic was to empower these young entrepreneurs by providing them with essential insights into SME financing and development support.

Several stakeholders delivered presentations about their funding opportunities, including the SEDA, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, Old Mutual Masisizane Fund, Investment Business Partners, and the National Empowerment Fund.

Oarabile Manyaapelo, manager of the SBAB and senior lecturer at the NWU Business School, says they are grateful for the agencies’ support.

“The proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ comes to mind. This sentiment captures the essence of the collaborative effort to foster the growth and development of young entrepreneurs.

"Just as a village shares its knowledge, skills, and care to raise a child with the utmost commitment, these agencies combine their strengths to foster the entrepreneurial spirit within the emerging innovators," he adds.

Various role players also shared messages of support, including Andre Coertzen from the North West Chamber of Commerce, and Kgosi Moshe Mabe, chair of the North West House of Traditional Leaders and an advisory board member of the NWU Business School.

In turn, Dr Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the Business School, emphasised the importance of partnerships between the university and public and private sector stakeholders on initiatives such as this.

Unlocking financial opportunities for young entrepreneurs. More than 70 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participated in the SME Business Finance Clinic.