By Karabo Ntanzi
Trioplus Development, an enterprise development hub with footprints in five provinces, recently held a business networking session at Horse Shoe Motel, Kimberley. The objective of the gathering was to facilitate a platform for businesses to meet, share ideas and collaborate.
The initiative emanates from programs ran by Trioplus during the lockdown period. The Ace Candidate and Godisa 1 and 2 mentorship programs. “We decided to create an environment for entrepreneurs to interact, build new relationships, and stimulate partnership,” said Jade Wheelock, the facilitator.
“Also, there were no contact sessions since last year. Everything was done online. This is the first time we have physical contact with the candidates,” continued Jade. She expressed her gratitude to the candidates for their willingness to learn over the computer or via technology. However, it brought challenges because all activities and assignments were done and submitted electronically. Computer illiteracy and lack of network were other barriers that Trioplus had to overcome. For the progress and development of the program, they resorted to telephonic communication in some areas.
De Beers Group funded the Godisa Program through the Zimele Trust. The aim is not only to improve the business but also to equip the entrepreneur with technical skills and knowledge. Fourty three candidates went through the Godisa Program in Kimberley and Kroonstad. The five-month program is divided into two categories. The first three months of the training consist of six modules. Namely, Growth, Opportunities, Decision making, Innovation, Systems and Scalability, lastly Action and Accountability, hence the acronym “Godisa,” explained Jade. The remaining two months are on business mentorship, focusing on the business’s specific difficulties.
Unfortunately, the closure of the De Beers hub resulted in the program’s suspension in Kimberley until a funder can be secured. Kroonstad is continuing until the end of the year.
Participants gave testimonies on the impact Trioplus and the Godisa program had on their enterprises. “The program taught me to think creatively. It has shown me that I don’t necessarily need funding to generate income in my business,” said Letlhogonolo Nyathi, owner of NC Marketing Agency. He stated that his employees were working from home during Covid, which will be the norm, saving on rental costs.
Shasta-Leigh, from Printzz, said she enjoyed the informal session because it makes interaction easy. The meeting gave her exposure, especially as the printing market is becoming saturated.
Some entrepreneurs used the opportunity to market their business to their colleagues by providing discount vouchers and products and handing them out as rewards.
“As part of empowering our entrepreneurs, we will continue with these network sessions. We have also created a Business Village page on FaceBook,” concluded Jade.
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