Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Bulawayo (Byo) Tech Hub in partnership with the Bulawayo Business Indaba Network (BBIN) are rolling out a training course aimed at equipping start-ups and entrepreneurs with the requisite virtual skills and knowledge on how to navigate work remotely.
The training offers support to businesses and professionals on how to use technology to perform tasks remotely rather than commuting to a physical location post Covid-19 pandemic that accelerated the shift to remote work.
In an interview, Byo Tech Hub technical director, Ms Victoria Nxumalo said they were kicking off 2024 with the capacitation of start-ups, entrepreneurs and any other person in need of virtual assistant skills.
“The Byo Tech Hub in partnership with BBIN has already taken off in a big way for 2024. We are having our very first event of the year being a virtual assistant training course from January 23 to 26. It will be two days of training and start-ups, entrepreneurs or anyone interested in the training can attend either on January 23 to 24 or 25 to 26. This training course is designed to equip Bulawayo people as well as people from neighbouring provinces on how to be their own boss using technology or capitalise on remote work jobs that can arise.”
She said one of the key aspects to rolling out the training was the important role technology was currently playing in all businesses, while technology was also the backbone for the existence of the two institutions (Byo Tech Hub and BBIN).
Ms Nxumalo said their role was to ensure start-ups and entrepreneurs are equipped with technology and business skills so that they can be innovative and positively contribute to the development of the country.
“Doing this training and offering certification for it, it’s going to allow a lot of people to achieve adequate work-life balance by being able to schedule work when it suits them because they are working virtually. Also, it is important for people to have the option to apply for remote work positions and most of these remote work jobs involve administration and doing social media management or managing portfolios online which is work that if skilled and trained you should be able to do.”
Ms Nxumalo said they were looking forward to getting full classes for the training as shown by the number of people that have shown interest. Among other programmes, she said they will also continue with their monthly business meet-ups which take place every last Thursday of the month, where they offer free mentor-ship to upcoming businesses.
“As such forums, we have business conversations and speak about a whole host of issues that are critical for the growth of businesses, while also coupled with free trainings to those who are able to attend,” she said.
Ms Nxumalo said they were also looking forward to exhibit at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) where they would showcase a number of the business start-ups that they have been working with from the city.
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