SABMiller Kickstart entrepreneur finalists on business A good business idea needs a solid business plan and entrepreneurs need the basics for running a business. SABMiller Namibia knows that as an entrepreneur knowing the basics is the very foundation of starting a successful business and this is why the twenty finalists of the Kickstart Namibia competition received intensive business training through SBS Namibia.
The course encompassed business theory and practical case studies in self development, basic bookkeeping, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship, taught by experienced and qualified lecturers. SBS Namibia is a distance learning institution that is nationally recognised by the NQA, putting them in a unique position to teach the aspiring businesswomen and -men. The training will benefit the twenty finalists throughout the rest of the competition, since they will have the necessary knowledge and skills gained through this learning experience. After completing the assessments for the various courses, participants will receive certificates.
Kickstart is aimed at teaching a culture of entrepreneurship to the youth in Namibia. It provides intensive business skills training, business development support and grants. The competition is also a unique opportunity for Namibian youth entrepreneurs to develop their entrepreneurial skills and to better their livelihoods. One of the finalists and course participants Adda Auala said; “I would like to thank the organisers for putting together such an excellent project. I have learned so much in the last three weeks. During week one, we learned about self-awareness, what it means to be a good leader and become a better business person.” She continued; “I could relate to topics like Business management, accounting, marketing and branding, things I have encountered in my own business”. The course also allowed the finalists to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and what they should be concentrating on to make their business ventures a long-term success.
Maija-Liisa Prinzonsky Corporate Affairs Manager of SABMiller Namibia said; “Kickstart gives support to the winning businesses in the form of grants and mentorship. Grant funding is used to support and grow the winning businesses. All of this would be pointless if the winning entrepreneurs do not have a solid foundation in business theory and practice. This is why Kickstart teamed up with SBS Namibia to provide this essential training.”
“The Southern Business School Namibia prides itself on teaching relevant and practical business theory and practice to aspiring business people and entrepreneurs in this case. Teaming up with SABMiller through their Kickstart programme has enabled us to instil knowledge in very motivated individuals that will hopefully go on to help develop Namibia economically” said Albin Jacobs, Director of SBS Namibia.
Staff Reporter