With immense excitement and pride, I introduce myself as your new Business Feature Writer, Mash- iteletse Hlabirwa Tisane. Born and raised in the vibrant Montshioa Township of Mahikeng, I am deeply rooted in the North West Province. I am passionate about driving the growth and development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in our beloved province.
As I embark on this incredible journey with Mo Media Newspaper, I must share my background and what has led me here. My early years in Montshioa gave me a firsthand look at the entrepreneurial spirit in our community. Whether it was the corner spaza shop or the local construction com- pany, small businesses were the lifeblood of our neighbourhood.
After pursuing my education and honing professional management skills, I ventured into the world of SMME development through two entities, namely YouStartUp and TheOutsourcePractice, where I also began writing newsletters in support of SMMEs driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Over the years, I have worked with various SMMEs and now want to reach a larger audience by writing for Mo Media News- paper to offer advice and nurture SMMEs in the North West Province and beyond.
The opportunity to return home and contribute to our province's growth is a dream. The North West, our beloved North West, is a land of abundant potential, rich in resources, culture and history. Yet, to truly unlock its potential, we must empower our SMMEs - the engine of economic growth. These businesses, from family-owned en- terprises to innovative startups, are pivotal in driving job creation, fostering innovatio and promoting economic sustainability.
SMMEs in the North West face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the province offers a strategic location, a skilled workforce, and a burgeoning tourism industry, these businesses often grapple with access to finance, market access, and skills development. As your Business Feature Writer, I aim to address these challenges head-on and provide the insights, strate- gies, advice and success stories needed to thrive in our local business landscape. SMMEs hold the key to transformative change in the North West.
They can be- come beacons of innovation, resilience, and community development when nurtured and supported. The North West's business landscape is as diverse as our people. The business world can be daunting, especially for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey. Staying ahead of the curve can be a formi- dable task with rapidly changing markets, evolving consumer preferences, and the digital revolution.
Fear not; I am here to guide you through this dynamic landscape. Also, we are still recovering from the economic devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the coming months, we will delve into various aspects of SMME development. From crafting effective business plans to securing financing, from harnessing the power of digital marketing to building re- silient supply chains, I will provide practical advice and actionable strategies that you can implement right here in the North West.
This column is about me sharing insights and creating a dialogue with you, our valued readers. Your questions, suggestions, and feedback is invaluable. Please reach out, share your thoughts, and let me know what topics you want to see covered. Together, we can tailor this feature to meet the spe- cific needs of our community.
As I write this introductory article, I am hopeful and determined to contribute to the growth and prosperity of SMMEs in the North West. The path ahead will be filled with challenges and triumphs, but I am excited to embark on this journey with you, dear readers. In our next instalment, my first article will explore: "The importance of a robust business plan and how it serves as the foundation for SMME success.
" In closing, I extend my gratitude to Mo Media Newspaper for this remarkable opportunity and to you, dear readers, for welcoming me into your lives. Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and growth as we unlock the immense potential of North West SMMEs. Stay tuned for what promises to be an enlightening and empowering series of articles.
Together, we shall build a brighter, more prosperous North West. By: Mashiteletse Hlabirwa Tisane Mashiteletse is the Founder of YouStartUp (www.youstartup.co.za), an SMME advisory company. A business feature writer on behalf of Mo Media Newspaper
