Entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners gathered on June 21, 2024 for the launch of the Mpumalanga Youth Month business breakfast held at Nkangala District municipality in Middelburg.
The mpumalanga economic growth agency (MEGA) hosted a business breakfast networking session to discuss programmes aimed at empowering the youth through entrepreneurship, showcasing various funding opportunities and resources available to small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in the region.
Representatives from MEGA highlighted their role in promoting trade and investment, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local businesses in Mpumalanga.
“We are not here just to celebrate but to inspire and to encourage young people. We know that there are those who didn’t manage yet to get in and receive funding, but we are here to celebrate you and your brilliant ideas that you have,” said Dr Carol Nkambule.
She further emphasised, “we are also here to encourage those who are still dreaming, those who are still hoping, those who have not started dreaming to start dreaming, there should be a solution somewhere”.
The event attracted participants from various parts of Mpumalanga, including young entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the resources offered.
Breakout sessions facilitated discussions on business planning, financial management and navigating regulatory frameworks.
Surprise Choshi, one of the attendees who benefited from MEGA’s initiatives motivated other young entrepreneurs. “Put passion in the business that you have because passion is the most important thing, when you wake up in the morning you shouldn’t feel bad. You should know that challenges are temporary, there are a lot of challenges but there are support systems that are there for you in those times of need,” he said. “I want to thank the Premiers office and I want to thank MEGA for believing in me and the vision that I have.”
Regional finance manager Gugulethu Mkhize added, “if you need help from MEGA, we have a good working relationship with the municipality youth desk, if you live in Middelburg utilize the youth desk, they will be able to arrange trainings or business support or mentorships”.
Attendees expressed optimism about the future of entrepreneurship in Mpumalanga. The collaborative efforts of MEGA have set a promising foundation for youth-driven economic growth and development in the region.
For more information on funding and support initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to visit MEGA’s website, Info@mega.gov.za, or contact their local office. The business breakfast drive covered all three Mpumalanga municipal districts, starting with Ehlanzeni on June 19, followed by Nkangala on June 21, and concluding with Gert Sibande on June 28.
