The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative South Africa (WPDI SA) hosted 40 entrepreneurs at a growth incubator for graduates from its Women Livelihood programme in Mitchell’s Plain last week.
The growth incubator formed part of WPDI SA’s monthly mentoring programme for graduates who previously received seed funding from the organisation to establish and grow their businesses.
It focused on topics such as brand awareness, human resources and perseverance, which were presented by WPDI SA alumni.
Chef Maruwaan Christians, owner of Sushi Fundi, shared his entrepreneurial journey of opening the first sushi food truck along Morgenster Road in Mitchell’s Plain four years ago. He emphasised the importance of establishing a brand and marketing in business.
“We had to market our business and put ourselves out there. I put myself out there completely – I even put myself on the side of the road. I chose a spot opposite Westgate Mall where many people come in and out of Mitchell’s Plain.
“Create uniqueness within your brand so that people can only find that one thing from you. There are many sushi bars in Cape Town, but there are certain ingredients and recipes that you will only find at Sushi Fundi,” he said.
Mr Christians encouraged the entrepreneurs to maximise every networking opportunity to talk about their businesses, to use customer feedback to improve their services and products, and always think about expansion.
Khayelitsha entrepreneur and human resources practitioner Busi Mathe highlighted the importance of employing the right people for your business. Ms Mathe educated the attendees on the processes involved in recruiting new talent, from outlining the job specifications and advertising the position, to doing interviews and background and reference checks.
Belhar entrepreneur Jessica Adams used her journey as someone living with cerebral palsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a learning disability, to motivate the graduates never to give up on their goals.
“Let nothing stop you from achieving your goals, whether in business, sport, or your health. Have the mindset to change your circumstances. You can either sit back and complain or get up and tell yourself that you can achieve your goals. Business is not easy. It is up to you to decide if you are going to step out, change your situation around and go forward,” she said.
Athlone entrepreneur Ilhaam Galiel emphasised the importance of persistence in business, especially when it comes to dealing with the red tape involved in getting your product into a retail store and compliance. Ms Galiel owns Eatspirations, a food business that sells a variety of condiments, including kimchi, chilli oils, pesto and atchar.
Rocklands entrepreneur and owner of What the Fudge Laura Spannenberg reflected on her learnings of the day. “I had an amazing time at the incubator session. Learning from the experiences from others was really valuable. I especially liked the talk related to the food industry, where Ilhaam advised on the requirements when getting your product into a store,” she said.
Grassy Park entrepreneur Gasiena Adams, owns G’s Jars in Grassy Park and sells homemade atchars, pickles, chutneys and sauces with a healthy twist. Ms Adams said the various speakers encouraged her to trust the process within her business, and identify the unique product offering. “I have learned not to be afraid to collaborate with others and expand my business, to persevere and believe in myself and my products.
“It was a great listening to key speakers with up and running businesses share their experiences. They gave us insight into the good and bad of running a business. It was very inspiring and motivational,” she said.
Luleka Zepe, owner of Elamilima Creatives and Projects in Khayelitsha, said the growth incubator was insightful and inspirational. “Listening to people share their experiences and journey made me realise that your circumstances can’t hold back your dreams. You have to keep pushing and ensure that your branding is visible all the time and under any circumstance,” she said.
Bonteheuwel entrepreneur Ayesha Isaacs, who runs a charity thrift shop in Elsies River, thanked WPDI for the opportunity to be part of the programme and learn from other entrepreneurs. “It is very good, it helped me a lot coming out today. As an entrepreneur, you often feel down. We are in the heart of winter, and business is slow. I have had so many challenges but today uplifted me again. Hearing other ladies tell me that I will make it, even if I fall, I must just fail forward. Brighter days are ahead and that’s what I needed to hear,” she said.
WPDI SA business trainer Gcobani Mbontsi urged the entrepreneurs to implement the learnings of the day in their businesses. “Take what you have learned today and put it into practice in your business. You will never know if it works if you don’t apply it,” he said.
WPDI SA business trainer Kayla Isaacs added: “Don’t let your issues get you down and stop you from pushing forward in your business. Set goals for yourself and your business, wake up every morning with a purpose. If you have not reached your goals, keep yourself accountable for it.”
