The Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) continues to invest in the growth and sustainability of youth-owned businesses through targeted capacity-building initiatives. Last week, the fund successfully hosted a Beneficiary Workshop Training at the Thokoza Anglican Conference Centre in Mbabane, bringing together 26 beneficiaries from various business sectors.
The workshop was designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and skills aimed at strengthening their enterprises and improving long-term sustainability. The training forms part of the fund’s ongoing commitment to empowering young people and ensuring that beneficiaries are well-positioned to manage and grow their businesses successfully.
Building strong business foundations
During the workshop, participants took part in a series of informative and interactive sessions covering key aspects of entrepreneurship and business management. The training focused on areas that are critical to the success and sustainability of small enterprises.
Topics covered included:
1. Introduction to entrepreneurship
2. Managing an enterprise
3. Marketing
4. Customer care and management
5. Bookkeeping
6. Contract management
7. Tax management
8.Insurance
9.Managing finances
The sessions provided participants with valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business and highlighted the importance of adopting sound management practices.
Promoting financial discipline and growth
Facilitators emphasised the role of proper business management in achieving long-term success. Participants were encouraged to maintain accurate financial records, manage their finances responsibly and understand their tax and contractual obligations.
The training also underscored the importance of financial discipline in ensuring business stability and growth. Through practical discussions and knowledge-sharing, beneficiaries gained a better understanding of how effective financial management can help businesses remain competitive and resilient.
Enhancing customer relations and competitiveness
Another key focus area was customer care and relationship management. Facilitators highlighted the value of building strong relationships with customers and maintaining high service standards as a way of strengthening business reputation and customer loyalty.
Marketing strategies were also discussed, with participants learning how to better position and promote their products and services in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Empowering youth through capacity building
The workshop reflects the YERF’s continued efforts to support youth entrepreneurship beyond financial assistance. By providing training and business development support, the fund aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable enterprises that contribute to economic growth and job creation.
As beneficiaries continue to apply the skills gained during the workshop, the initiative is expected to enhance the performance and sustainability of youth-owned businesses across different sectors.
Leave a comment