adminconference, which is being organised by Mooks Marketing, will be held under the theme “Unlocking business opportunities for the SMEs”.
Mooks Marketing spokesperson Mr Hausen Zimbowa said the conference would help unlock opportunities and value for small entrepreneurs to contribute to the recovery of the economy.
“The conference is meant to conscientise SMEs that they have a role to play in growing the economy, job creation, poverty reduction, contributing to the fiscus and total economic development.
“SMEs in Zimbabwe have got a lot to learn from countries like South Africa, India and China who in the case of South Africa has moved from employing 18 percent of the population in 1996 to more than 60 percent and India registering 95 percent while China clocking 99 percent today,” said Mr Zimbowa.
The expo would provide solutions to challenges that are being faced by SMEs in the country and at the same time expose business opportunities.
“The expo offers guidelines for those who want to enter into business partnerships/franchise and franchise opportunities in the country and the region.
“It is also designed to equip SMEs to run their business in a professional way as well as providing information on available financial support services,” he said.
Minister of Small to Medium Enterprises Sithembiso Nyoni is expected to be the guest of honour at the event.
Despite barriers, new entrepreneurs continue to enter the market. Many have been forced into business through unemployment or retrenchment.
Topics to be discussed at the expo will include business ethics and good corporate governance in SMEs, unlocking business opportunities, leveraging on partnership, economic overview, strategic business planning and government support services and its polices for the sector, among other issues.
The event’s panellists will include representatives from financial institutions, business advisors/ economists and established entrepreneurs, National Social Security Authority retrenchees, business organisations and micro-finance.
Online Reporter