2021 Summit returning bigger and better
Reflects on challenges besieging SMMEs
Covid-19 badly affect small entrepreneurs
BAKANG TIRO
editors@thepatriot.co.bw
The lifestyle and wellness services business, Shobas (Pty) Ltd convened the 2021 edition of the Annual Entrepreneurs Summit that empowers small medium entrepreneurs on Saturday (yesterday).
In an interview, the organiser of the summit and founder of Shobas Zibo Shoba Marobela said: “This is an annual session under Shobas that brings together entrepreneurs to have real conversations, showcase their products and services as well as to networkand find opportunities to explore. I am the organiser of the event and the host, ensuring that the event achieves its objectives and makes a positive impact on the attendants”.
According to Marobela, Shobas Entrepreneurs Session has been in existence since 2018 and aims to showcase inspiring entrepreneurs and create new opportunities for partnerships, and collaborations.
“As well as highlight entrepreneurship as a means to address some of the most intractable global challenges. The session includes a wide range of topics from mentoring and networking sessions aimed at giving participants tailored opportunities to gain skill and relations that will help their ventures grow,” she said.
The Entrepreneurs’ Summit targets entrepreneurs who operate businesses at small to medium levels.
“These are the entrepreneurs that are still finding their feet in their various industries and as an entrepreneur myself I understand and I am aware of all the challenges and the stumbling blocks that our fellow entrepreneurs have to deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes we also need each other for support and one of the best ways is for us to come together under one roof and have conversations that will lead to solutions on how to realise our full potentials, “stressed Marobela.
The power of networking, she said, is that post these sessions, they still keep in contact with the trained small micro and medium enterprises from summit and offer support the best way they can.
Marobela, who is an attorney by profession, says that the topics for discussion include amongst others the art of creative entrepreneurship, social Media and entrepreneurship persevering.
She said Covid -19 has affected businesses around the world, and at the same time it has awakened our creative sides to maneuver around challenges and come up with solutions that ensure that they remain in business.
“Business has been slow and as an events business we had to scale down on our numbers and strictly adhere to protocols. I had no choice but to learn to develop an entrepreneurial intention to grow from adversity (resilience) and believe in my entrepreneurial abilities,” added Marobela.
She said small businesses should be prepared to move beyond their business plan and should not make the mistake of focusing only on your lane and assuming things will return to the same market opportunity for your product or service post pandemic as they need to adapt or die.
Some of the notable speakers at the summit are Mmoloki Ossie Mmolotsi – an entrepreneur, HR Consultant & career coach and founder of Progressive Institute, seasoned economist and serial entrepreneur Othata Batsetswe, Kelebogile Makati – Business administration and Marketing professional and host Marobela, a corporate legal professional and entrepreneur.
Marobela said it is important for entrepreneurs to be innovative and continue to build brands.