eThekwini Municipality - HAMMERSDALE REGIONAL BUSINESS FAIR ATTRACTS HUGE INTEREST2015-04-20 The Inner/Outer West Regional Durban Business Fair held in Harmmarsdale Junction from 17 to 19 April 2015 was well received by the public as well as emerging and established entrepreneurs who came out in numbers to sharpen their entrepreneurial acumen.
The three-day exhibition recorded more than 7000 visitors and the two-day Business Indaba attracted over 954 small and established entrepreneurs. Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Nomvuzo Shabalala said the impressive attendance proves that local entrepreneurs are eager to sharpen their skills to develop their businesses using available platforms provided by the City. “As government we need ways of stimulating economic growth in order to create employment for our people and alleviate poverty. Business empowerment has proved to be the best tool in fulfilling our mandate as there are many success stories emanating from the fair since its inception and other business seminars and training that we offer continuously," added Shabalala. The participation of government departments, public sector entities and prominent business people such as Shauwn Mpisane of Zikhulise Group, Ernest Ngubo of iGoda Project and Bathandwa Nhlabathi of Success Avenue was another highlight which significantly benefitted the attendees with valuable information. The entrepreneurs presented methods of success for their companies. They all echoed on the importance of passion, perseverance and using numerous marketing strategies as vital to owning a profitable and sustainable business. Nhlabathi said: “As a determined entrepreneur, you must familiarise yourself with technology and utilise all forms of marketing trends and social media in order to think out of the box and be innovative.†At the end of the Fair the City announced three winners of the best exhibitor’s competition. Contestants were judged on the presentation of their stands which had to be inspiring, innovative and demonstrate effective ways of dealing with customers and marketing their businesses. Dumabezwe Ethnic Designs came third and won a free website hosting and maintenance over 12 months, Pafotrugobright Project came second and walked away with 10 sessions of business coaching and E by L Events was the overall winner for having the best stand and won a Lenovo Laptop. Also three winners will exhibit their products free of charge during the main Durban Business Fair to be held from 16 to 18 October 2015 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Lulama Zulu of E by L Events said it was her first time exhibiting and the Fair proved to be an ideal platform to showcase her business since it is still new. "With only three days I have gained extensive exposure and already set up six promising appointments,†she added. Zulu added that the feedback she received was positive and thanked the Municipality for providing a platform for her to showcase her business. The next Regional Durban Business Fairs will be held on 30 April 2015 at Folweni Community Hall, KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre in Umlazi from 22 to 24 May 2015, Bridge City in KwaMashu from 19 to 21 June 2015 and the last will be hosted at Clermont Sports Auditorium from 26 to 28 June 2015. ENDS |
eThekwini Municipality - HAMMERSDALE REGIONAL BUSINESS FAIR ATTRACTS HUGE INTEREST
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