Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of many economies, driving innovation, job creation, and economic resilience. Yet, the path to sustainable growth for these businesses is often fraught with challenges. This fireside chat aims to unpack the strategies and insights that can help SMEs unlock their true potential and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Joined by two esteemed guests: Nobesuthu Ndlovu's love for entrepreneurship and business is best expressed in her current role at Old Mutual as the director for small and medium enterprises where she provides strategic and operational leadership for the SME market segment in the corporate business. Nobesuthu also possesses an intrinsic wisdom that she garnered when she astutely nurtured her business, Burgundy Fly, from its challenging bootstrap start-up phase, right through to when it became a flourishing entity that generated a R31million turnover in a space of just eleven (11) years.

We also be joined Cleola Kunene. Cleola is an award winning Start-up to Scale-up growth Expert and is the Head of SME Development at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). In her current role for JSE Group, Cleola drives Economic development solutions, with a specific focus on SME growth, funding access, international market access, red tape reductions and strategic relationships, with a particular focus on public and private partnerships. Cleola serves on various boards and serves on the steerco for the SA Start-up Act and serves as an Independent Investment Committee director for two Venture Capital and Debt funds.

Through this engaging discussion, attendees will gain valuable insights into:

• Navigating the startup to scale-up transition: Lessons from seasoned entrepreneurs
• Fostering an entrepreneurial culture and unlocking intrapreneurship within SMEs
• Accessing the right financing and funding options to fuel SME growth
• Leveraging digital transformation and innovative business models
• Cultivating strategic partnerships and ecosystem collaborations
• Aligning purpose, profit, and impact for long-term SME success

Join us as we delve into the diverse perspectives and real-world experiences that can empower SME leaders to unlock their true potential and pave the way for sustainable, impactful growth.

Details:

• Date: 20 August
• Venue: Ground Floor, Mutual Place, 107 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton, 2146
• Time: 17h00 for 17h30