The first BOCCIM Entrepreneurs Symposium is expected to inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs, to provide an opportunity for networking and a platform that can enable Small Macro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) growth.
BOCCIM Marketing Public Relations and Communications Officer, Tebogo Oletile, said the Symposium will be officially opened by the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Vincent Seretse. She said the theme for this year is “Bold Concepts, Incredible Moments.”
She pointed out that the major objective of the symposium is to inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs to provide an opportunity for networking and a platform that can enable SMME’s growth.
The key note speaker is Jim Gowans, CEO of Debswana, who is also the diamond sponsor of the event, she said.
She revealed that the first guest speaker at the forum will be Ms Potlako Gasennelwe, the Executive Director, Leungo Investments Gasennelwe, who has interest and investments in the financial service sector.
Oletile said she is a shareholder in Etana Insurance and Khanyisa Insurance Brokers, adding that in a joint venture between Hollard Insurance and PHAB Holdings, a black women’s investment group owned by Basetsana Khumalo and Ms Gasennelwe, Leungo Investment recently won a highly coveted Halala Joburg Award under category Living Joburg.
“We have received a positive response from our members; Debswana is the Diamond sponsor and Barclays Bank is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s symposium,” she stated.
Oletile said that the entrepreneur’s symposium aims to inspire those who are aspiring to go into business, those who are in business and those who support business. She also added that the symposium will also provide an opportunity for exposure to SME enabling institutions such as those that offer funding and mentorship.
The second speaker is expected to be Monametsi Kalayamotho, founder and CEO of Moro Group, a diversified Group with interests in information technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, health care, boutiques, property development, hospitality, retail leisure and mining. She added that Moro group won the APP4 Africa competition for web and mobile software solutions to social challenges in Africa. She said previously, they scooped first prize for their submission of health and sanitation related application concept to address Malaria.
She also revealed that participating companies are Diamond Hub, DTC Botswana, LEA, SAFDICO/ Diamond Technology Park, CEDA, STANBIC, EOH Consulting, Bridging Dialogue, which are a mix of small to large businesses.
