SMEs Compete celebrates success

The event was hosted to appreciate the participation of some local entrepreneurs in a recent competition. The aim of this competition was to help fund small businesses that wish to either start or scale up.
ELIZABETH JOSEPH
Elizabeth Joseph

The prizes ranged from the highest amount being N$15 000 to last place receiving an amount of N$2 000, which was paid directly to the supplier of their choice.

Among some of the guests was Nangado Kauluma, who walked away with this years’ Africa Entrepreneurs Award, in the sports category. The event was held in Morocco last week. She was amongst 13 winners from 11 countries.

“After five years of fighting for my business I have finally received a breakthrough,” Kauluma said.

Mbo Luvindao, who is the branch manager for ESME at Bank Windhoek, was among the invited guests. He said that oftentimes, especially with entrepreneurs, you will always come across the same idea over and over, but it was a great step to allow these entrepreneurs to showcase creative and different ideas.

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the judging panel, to get to witness the shear talent that these people have,” Luvindao said.

Danny Meyer, who is a partner at SMEs Compete, encouraged the winners of the competition to make every day count and also wished the finalists well in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

The winners felt honoured and said that they are excited about this new journey for their businesses. Among the winners was Elizabeth Swartz from Gobabis, who won N$3 000 for her meat processing company.

She is excited to grow and expand her business outside of Gobabis. Another winner, Gottfried Mallot from Mariental, said he was amazed at how far his company has come and is thrilled to have been a part of the winners. Mallot owns a welding company and is busy getting his name out there by producing nothing but excellent services.