What is Entrepreneur's Day?
On 15 November 2022, we celebrated entrepreneurs from all over the globe. National Entrepreneur’s Day is an annual event that occurs on 15 November 2022 that honors people who have built an empire from absolutely nothing.
Firstly, let’s define what an entrepreneur is. An entrepreneur is someone who starts a business taking into consideration the financial risks that may occur during this process.
According to the report conducted by Natanya Meyer and Angus Boumaker-Falconer, the percentage of entrepreneurs in South Africa in 2021 was 17.5% which is an improvement from the previous 10.8% in 2019. While we grow as individuals, we should not forget that we are also growing the economy.
iKasi Creative's Networking Event
To celebrate entrepreneurs all around the globe, we hosted a networking event inviting all entrepreneurs to connect with potential business partners and assisting them with entrepreneurial development.
We had a few speakers from various avenues in the business world come to our office in Bellville and share their experiences and other lessons they have learnt through the process of building their brand. The theme was “Learning from industry experts in 2022 to recalibrate for 2023.”
Warren Hewitt, founded the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, deal with connecting people, places and partners to many other possibilities that exist for the current and future success of Bellville. They accelerate and promote the regeneration and upliftment of Bellville and surrounding areas to drive its future to a more prosperous and successful commercial center for business owners.
Abraham Oliver is the director at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UWC. The essence of the center to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial employers and job creators who will contribute towards addressing unemployment and venture creation to revitalize township economies.
Margaux Gaigher founded Uluma HR and deals with all human resources matters, specifically aiding and supporting the employer in ensuring that all “paper trails“ are adequate and the employer complies with all current labor legislation. Uluma HR also supports management to ensure employees are effectively lead, managed, mentored, coached and inspired in order to work and interact with internal and external customers in excellence.
Rucien Peterson who is the founder and director of Spottmedia which came about in 2017. He has aways been intrigued by the world of Marketing. He is a member of the Tygerberg Chamber Committee group and hosts a monthly marketing segment on Radio 786 for business owners.
Odwa Mqomboti, owner of HOM International (Pty) Ltd. Mqomboti Africa and MStudio. At Mqomboti Africa, they tailor make most of their products from scratch. He shared a few challenges that all entrepreneurs go through and a lot of people could relate.
The dos and don'ts of entrepreneurship
Remember, being an entrepreneur means taking risks. You need to understand that there is a chance that you may fail. Don’t let that set you back. Get up, dust yourself off and try again. Entrepreneurship is also not a solo ride. Think of it however you like but you won’t be able to do everything yourself. Learn to ask for and accept help when needed. It does not make you look weak; it makes you human.
The best way to predict the future is to create it. Becoming an entrepreneur is certainly not the easiest task in the world but you will see its effects through the change in our economy. So, turn that dream into a reality. What have you got to lose?
Things are always changing. There is no right or wrong way of starting up your business, you just need to find what works for you. If you want to become a successful entrepreneur, attending seminars and mentoring sessions are very important. You need to stay relevant and updated.
Entrepreneurship is not just about buying and selling products, it’s also about solving problems no one has solved before as well as contributing to society.
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Other entrepreneurs and their success stories
Qhawe Bula – co-founder of TAQA Digital Library.
In 2020, Qhawe created TAQA, a digital library of read-along children’s books in all official 11 languages. He says the aim is to celebrate African identities and encourage a culture of reading in young children.
Theo Baloyi – founder and owner of Bathu Shoes.
He is the first black-owned sneaker brand in South Africa. His vision started in the backroom of his uncle’s houses in Alexandra township. His business now includes an online shop and 16 retail stores all around South Africa.
Ezlyn Barends – co-founder of DreamGirls Academy.
DreamGirls Academy is a non- profit that empowers girls and women. Through education, mentorship and financial aid, it aims to help them access economic opportunities and move from dependence to self-sufficiency.
Arabella Parkinson – founder of Eat to Thrive.
Arabella started Eat to Thrive to promote sustainable food systems and healthy food relations. During the COVID lockdown, she started offering virtual cooking classes to show people that they could use all the ingredients they already have and turn it into something healthy and delicious.
Entrepreneurs are risk-takers and they do things that most people are afraid to do; like opening a business (obviously). In the end, its up to you to make your dream a reality!
For more information contact us on 081 219 352 or email us on info@ikasimedia.com .