With over 12-million South Africans directly relying on them for their livelihood, enterprises play a vital role in the economy and their importance as an engine to drive economic growth, in turn leading to employment creation, must be recognised, says Sisa Ntshona, Head of Absa Enterprise Development, Business Banking Africa, in this month’s SmartProcurement.
Accessing South Africa’s potential is the new Enterprise Development book telling inspirational stories of ordinary South Africans on their struggles and successes in their entrepreneurship journey – from a pig farmer in Vereeniging to a woman-owned construction business in Kimberly.
Based on the theme of ‘access’, this exciting compilation of success stories showcases Absa’s involvement in helping and supporting enterprises to develop and grow.
The theme of the book was a deliberate choice as it underscores Absa’s enterprise development value proposition under the pillars of access to markets, access to finance and access to business support.
“Our support to enterprises is beyond just traditional banking. We promote an access-conducive environment, which fosters growth and is responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs”, says Ntshona.
South Africa’s unemployment levels are still stubbornly high and banks are at the heart of the significant changes required to help economies become strong, healthy and growing again, and can support society in addressing many of its most pressing challenges.
By producing this book, Absa acknowledges entrepreneurs who bring ideas to life and launch start-up-businesses. These ideas are the lifeblood of innovation that is required to drive economic growth and build a more prosperous society. South Africa has a proud history of fostering pioneers who challenge conventional thinking and strive not just to build a better life for themselves but a stronger society that benefits all South Africans.
Absa is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in South Africa and enabling them to reach their true potential. It is through unlocking this potential and supporting business growth that we will boost job creation and play our part in building a South Africa that is stronger than we found it.
Visit the Absa website to read all the stories in the Enterprise Development book.
To find out more about Absa Enterprise Development, email us at ed@absa.co.za
