Entrepreneurs from across Mangaung and the Free State gathered at Jonos Lounge in Thaba Nchu, Free State, on Saturday, June 22 for the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) Workshop.
TEA, which has been in existence for 9 years, aims to empower and support township entrepreneurs across the country by providing networking opportunities, business showcases, and the chance to pitch for a R50,000 prize to invest in their businesses.
The theme for the Thaba Nchu workshop was “Dealing with Rejection and Failure.” During the event, Kabelo “KB” Lebusho, a Bloemfontein-based entrepreneur, shared his entrepreneurial journey, including making his first million and losing it at a young age.
Siyasanga Qomoyi Mophethe also shared her rags-to-riches story after overcoming multiple hurdles following the loss of her job, eventually becoming an established businesswoman running multiple enterprises.
Five entrepreneurs pitched their businesses, and Mpho Mokhele from Kananelo Cleaning Services emerged as the winner, securing R50,000 for her business.
Bulelani Balabala, the founder of TEA, highlighted the organization’s nationwide footprint, impacting eighty thousand township entrepreneurs and providing grant funding to over five hundred businesses.
In the Free State alone, TEA has supported 980 small businesses, with three being part of the accelerator program, and the winner will also be joining the program.
The workshop provides a platform for township entrepreneurs to connect, network, and grow their businesses.
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