Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase
The first ever K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase took place on 16 to 18 November 2022 in the mining town of Tsumeb with a total of 58 MSMEs exhibited in-person and 70 MSMEs exhibiting on the virtual platform. It was hosted in collaboration with a total of 11 sponsors and five partners.
The K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase was created to manage enterprise growth and support for youth-owned businesses. The platform gives business owners the chance to present their products and services, engage with subject matter experts, and benefit from the numerous business development support systems e within the MSME ecosystem. Following the successful pilot in November 2022, the showcase will become an annual event, with the 2023 edition tentatively slated for 2 to 4 November.
Objectives
The primary objective of the K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase, which also differentiates it from similar platforms, is to promote communication and connections between MSMEs and business support organisations, including public and private organisations and development partners.
These organisations provide resources and services to help MSMEs to start, grow, and succeed. These resources include business training and education, access to funding and financing, networking and mentoring opportunities, and assistance with marketing and business planning. The value that these organisations can provide to MSMEs include helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to run their businesses effectively, access funding and other resources to support growth, and connect with other business owners and experts who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, business support organizations can also play a key role in promoting entrepreneurship and small business development in their communities, which can have a positive impact on local economies.
Highlights
- The K2G Entrepreneurs Showcase had a total of 11 sponsors and 5 partners.
- We had over 1200 visitors during the 3-day K2G Entrepreneurs Showcase.
- A total of 10 regions were represented countrywide with Khomas regions having the most representation with a total of 27 participants of the K2G Entrepreneurs Showcase.
- Wapa-Nawa Recycling Centre, Moonsnacks Investments and Couture By Kim, the three winners of the MSME Awards each received N$20 000 sponsored by AB InBev Namibia and the World Bank sponsored mentorship and training for developing business models through its Innovation Bridge Portal programme.
- Ndaka Mushrooms and Ilotu Cosmetics also each won free shelf space which includes a Pop Up Show for three months at Tsumeb Mall to showcase their products.
The Knowledge Hub
The Knowledge Hub offers a central gathering place for our MSMEs and other stakeholders to connect and network, providing access to a wide range of resources such as funding and financing information, and tools to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Over the course of the event , 22 industry professionals from various a range of topics which include MSME retail opportunities, trade opportunities for Namibian products in the EU and trading in the southern African region.
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