Over two days at the eShowe Town Hall, the Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), delivered more than just a workshop, they delivered hope, skills, and a future for emerging entrepreneurs.
Through the Inkunz’isematholeni, Imbokodo Iyazenzela, and Disability Business Programme, participants from across the King Cetshwayo District gathered for an intensive Business Masterclass aimed at bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity.
The sessions covered budgeting, customer care, planning, marketing, and business pitching. Each topic was carefully selected to provide practical knowledge that entrepreneurs can apply immediately in running and growing their businesses.
While all the topics were important, business pitching stood out as the most critical. For many participants, this was their first time standing before a panel of judges to present their ideas. The training not only gave them the technical skills to prepare but also instilled the confidence to articulate their visions with clarity and conviction.
On the final day, aspiring entrepreneurs put their skills to the test, pitching their business concepts to a distinguished panel from EDTEA, IDFC, SEFDA, and the NYDA. The atmosphere was filled with both nerves and excitement as more than 15 entrepreneurs took the stage, eager to showcase their ideas.
The winners of this round are still to be announced, but what is already clear is the lasting impact of the training. Beyond the competition, participants walk away empowered, armed with the tools to budget better, care for their customers, plan strategically, market effectively, and pitch with confidence.
The initiative reflects Ithala’s ongoing commitment to inclusive economic development, ensuring that youth, women, and persons with disabilities are not left out of opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. More than just financial support, this programme is a statement of belief in the power of local entrepreneurs to transform their communities and the province.
