Mbabane – Small businesses have been urged to look beyond Eswatini’s borders and explore regional and global markets as they grow, with the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) pledging continued support through skills development, market linkages and business advisory services.
SEDCO Chief Executive Officer Khethiwe Mhlanga made the call during the unveiling of the grand prize for the FNB Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, where she encouraged entrepreneurs from the four regions of the country to remain focused on growing their businesses and contributing to the economy.
Mhlanga said entrepreneurs should not wait until their businesses experience difficulties before seeking assistance, emphasising that SEDCO remained available to provide guidance and support throughout their business journeys.
“Don’t sit back and wait until your business is in trouble. Come closer to us so that we can assist you as we continue doing the work with you. We are there to help you. We basically are your business clinics,” she said.
She said SEDCO was committed to building an environment in which entrepreneurs could access the skills and support needed to expand their operations, establish market linkages and compete beyond the domestic market.
The CEO encouraged entrepreneurs to identify opportunities within their respective regions, pointing to the needs of farmers in Lubombo, furniture makers and other businesses in Shiselweni, and opportunities to serve customers in Manzini and Hhohho.
She urged entrepreneurs to become part of the manufacturing sector and integrate themselves into value chains, saying their growth could create opportunities for other businesses and contribute to the wider economy.
Mhlanga also commended FNB Eswatini and the FNB Foundation for their continued partnership in supporting local entrepreneurs through the annual awards.
She said the bank’s involvement in the awards had gone beyond sponsorship, particularly through SME days held during the events, which gave entrepreneurs an opportunity to raise challenges affecting their businesses.
According to Mhlanga, the engagements provided an opportunity to understand entrepreneurs’ needs and develop services that could help them sustain and grow their businesses.
She further acknowledged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade for its continued support and guidance on policy, legislation and other matters affecting small enterprises.
Meanwhile, Mhlanga encouraged the regional winners to remain committed to their businesses, regardless of who eventually walks away with the grand prize.
She said the prize would provide an opportunity for the winning entrepreneur to scale up operations, while those who did not win should not lose hope, as SEDCO remained available to assist them.
“For us, we are just saying please think big, continue with the work that you have,” she said.
Mhlanga also expressed excitement over the increased representation of women among this year’s regional winners, describing it as an encouraging development for the future of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
She said SEDCO remained committed to nurturing future growth in entrepreneurship and encouraged business owners to stay motivated despite the challenges that came with running enterprises.
“Entrepreneurs, please don’t lose hope, stay focused, stay motivated,” she said.
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