Small business development
When a man shows strength and leadership in business, he gets applauded! When a woman shows the same strength and assertiveness, she gets told she is bossy – even bitchy! How are we ever going to develop female leaders in the business world and successful female entrepreneurs with this attitude and mindset? It must change!
But as much as we need men to change their attitude towards women, we also need to change the way we think and do things:
- Stop trying to be like the men and realise that we have our own strengths – and that is good enough.
- Start supporting other women, instead of breaking them down
- Know that everyone crawled before they could walk. Don’t be afraid of hard work.
- Follow your dreams – go out there and make it happen. No one else is going to do it for you.
Women need to see their value in the home and in the business. We shouldn’t want to be like men – when in fact we are way better in aspects!
Yet whether male or female, we are often at a complete loss when it comes to getting help for our small businesses, yet support does exist.
Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
Did you know that you SEDA supports the growth of small businesses and that if you have and existing business you can go to a SEDA branch for:
- information, advice and referrals
- tender information and advice
- import and export training
- trade information
- business assessments and business mentoring
- technical support
- market access
- business linkages
Contact Seda Western Cape on: 021 487 3640
Business Information Centre: 0860 103 703
Website: www.seda.org.za
Finance for Small Businesses through Khula
Khula helps SMMEs to get loans from banks. It does not lend money itself. Khula also provides mentorship to entrepreneurs, helping them to manage their businesses successfully. The mentorship programme includes the transfer of skills on a face-to-face basis, the development of viable business plans, and pre- and post-loan services.
Contact Khula: 0800 11 88 15
Website: www.khula.org.za
