Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
LOCAL entrepreneurs, including female business leaders, converged in the Midlands town of Zvishavane last weekend to explore avenues for unlocking more business opportunities for Indigenous people.
The 2024 Zvishavane Business Seminar, held at Pote Hotel on Saturday, ran under the theme “Unlock Your Business Idea with a Practical Approach”, and was hosted by Dr Barnabas Marambire of Barmlo Construction.
“We’re thrilled to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to unlock their potential,” said Dr Marambire.
“Our goal is to cultivate a thriving business community in Zvishavane,” he added.
Several business people from various sectors including energy and security attended the seminar and bounced ideas on how indigenous people can unlock business opportunities.
Challenges facing local entrepreneurs, chief among them capital, were also highlighted.
Dr Marambire, who is renowned for helping entrepreneurs, also shared his history of success in unlocking “800 business ideas.”
He was orphaned at the age of 13 and gave up school at the Ordinary Level before finding employment as a herd boy in Chivi.
Dr Marambire’s fortunes changed when he migrated to Botswana where he registered his first company at the age of 25.
He is back in Zimbabwe and now employs over 500 people at his company.
Some of his mentees also gave testimonies on how their businesses have grown in leaps and bounds.
“All the business ideas I’ve unlocked are working and doing well,” said Dr Marambire, who reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe.
Entrepreneurs were also addressed by South African-based Zimbabwean business coach, VK Lionheart, who offered valuable and practical tips for success in business.
The attendants also had an opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experts and potential investors.
“The guidance we got during the session was invaluable, especially for us who are seeking to take our businesses to the next level,” a Zvishavane-based business that is onto solar energy, said.
Online Reporter