Bulawayo hosts Business Masterclass to boost entrepreneurial skills and enterprise growth

Mr Ken Sharpe

A business development initiative set for Bulawayo over the weekend is expected to equip entrepreneurs and corporate leaders with practical strategies to build resilient and competitive enterprises, as Zimbabwe advances its national goal of attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The Bulawayo Business Masterclass, organised by Sharpe Business Academy (SBA), will bring together business executives, academics, legal experts and industry practitioners under the theme: “Start Smart, Scale Fast: Entrepreneurial Strategies for Sustainable Business Growth.”
The free seminar is scheduled for July 11 at a local conference centre and is expected to attract entrepreneurs, business owners, start-ups, professionals and aspiring business leaders from across Matabeleland and beyond.
Organisers said the programme is aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and improving practical business skills necessary for sustainable enterprise development.
“This masterclass is designed to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with practical tools that enhance sustainability, scalability and competitiveness in today’s dynamic business environment,” organisers said.
The initiative comes at a time when Zimbabwe is prioritising innovation, industrialisation, value addition and digital transformation under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which supports the country’s Vision 2030 economic blueprint.
Sharpe Business Academy founder and chairman Mr Ken Sharpe is expected to headline the event with a presentation on “Building Businesses That Outlive Their Founders: Vision, Leadership and Legacy.”
His presentation will focus on governance, succession planning and institutional leadership, which are widely considered key challenges affecting the longevity of many locally owned enterprises.
Business analysts say while many entrepreneurs have demonstrated resilience and innovation, a significant number of businesses fail to transition into long-term institutions due to weak governance structures and inadequate succession frameworks.
SBA chief executive officer Dr Rutendo Mudzamiri will present on “The Growth Mindset: Developing Entrepreneurial Leadership and Resilient Teams for Sustainable Business Success.”
Academia-industry collaboration will also feature prominently during the seminar, with Professor Julius Tapera, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor at Lupane State University, expected to present on “Building Growth-Ready Businesses through Innovation, Research and Strategic Partnerships.”
Financial discipline and operational efficiency will be addressed by Ms Bernice Richards, finance director at Belmont Electrical (Pvt) Ltd and chairperson of the Matabeleland Construction Industry, who will speak on “Financial Discipline and Operational Excellence for Sustainable Business Growth.”
Entrepreneurship development will be further explored by Dr Lucky Mlilo, founder and president of the Professionals Business Association of Zimbabwe (PROBAZ), in a presentation titled “From Entrepreneur to Enterprise: Building Networks, Markets and Influence for Rapid Growth.”
Legal and governance issues will be tackled by Advocate Lison Ncube, president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, who will present on “Governance, Compliance and Risk Management for Sustainable Business Growth.”
Customer engagement and communication strategies will be addressed by Ms Thandekile Chibanda, Area Manager for Bulawayo at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, in a presentation titled “Communicating with Confidence to Win Customers, Investors and Opportunities.”
Organisers said the masterclass will also provide structured networking opportunities designed to connect entrepreneurs with investors, professionals and experienced business leaders across multiple sectors.
“Beyond the presentations, the event will provide a platform for meaningful networking, knowledge exchange and practical engagement that supports business growth,” organisers said.
They added that the initiative aligns with national efforts to strengthen small and medium enterprises, promote innovation-led industrialisation and enhance private sector capacity as Zimbabwe works towards Vision 2030.
Bulawayo continues to position itself as a key industrial and innovation hub, with stakeholders noting that such initiatives contribute to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and improving business sustainability.
For participants, the masterclass is expected to deliver both strategic insights and practical tools to enhance competitiveness, resilience and long-term business growth.
Ends.