In line with the critical need to develop entrepreneurs and small businesses in South Africa, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Centre for Small Business Development (CSBD) a centre established under the auspices of the Faculty of Management, will host its Fourth Annual Soweto Conference on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development at the UJ Soweto Campus from 28 to 30 October 2013.
The theme for the 2013 conference, Turning Tangible and Intangible Assets & Resources in Townships into Business Opportunities, aims to show township entrepreneurs how innovation and the availability of current resources can be turned into profitable business opportunities.
Having attracted more than 600 delegates in previous years, as well as a keynote address by President Jacob Zuma at the 2012 event held in May, the conference is an annual highlight of the CSBD.
The CSBD is recognised for supporting and nurturing future business leaders, its programmes reach out to small businesses and entrepreneurs in previously disadvantaged communities – such as Soweto, Alexandra, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Norweto, Ekurhuleni and Kagiso. It also offers mentorships programmes, business clinics, high school youth programmes, as well as competitions, award fellowships and start-up support during the all-important first year of a new business.
According to Moipone Molotsi, director: Centre for Small Business Development, the conference will once again provide a valuable platform for engagement, networking and assist new and established small business owners in learning how to create and foster an entrepreneurial culture by turning existing and unexplored assets into real business growth.
As the newly-appointed director at CSBD, Molotsi is excited to be part of the Soweto Conference on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, especially as this year it aims to add more value and contribute practical advice to delegates.
“We would like to witness an increase in business start-ups and retention in the townships, rather than have people go to the major business hubs outside the townships to do business,” she says. “Thus we hope the conference will educate people and strive to change mind sets,” she adds.
Small businesses are seen as playing an indispensible role in South Africa’s economic growth. According to research conducted by National Treasury, South Africa has an estimated 2.8 million Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) which contribute 52% to 57% of GDP and about 60% of jobs. Furthermore, SMMEs contribute 40% of the country’s total remuneration.
The first day of the Fourth Annual Soweto Conference on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development will provide delegates with practical training in sales and marketing, financial management, technology and innovation, as well as BBBEE and procurement. On the official opening day of the conference, delegates will be joined by Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, who will provide the keynote address. Further topics for discussion will include a situational analysis of township SMMEs, understanding township markets from a branding perspective, and tapping into unchartered markets.
Government representatives, academics and experts in small business development, practitioners, local and international speakers, and well renowned SMMEs will provide presentations. Major sponsors that have already come on board to support the conference include: The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta (Merseta), Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), National Youth Development Agency and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
“Entrepreneurship and small business are important to local economies and can help build stronger communities,” says Molotsi. “The conference provides real support for small business leaders, helping them to identify opportunities and giving them the practical tools to seize those opportunities.”