ZimTrade, in partnership with First Mutual Life (FML), conducted a training workshop for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) on 6 July, 2018 in Harare. The event was attended by 150 SMEs seeking to align their outlook with export business. The purpose of the seminar was to equip participants with knowledge and skills to develop business models that can compete in today’s environment.
The workshop comprised presentations by experts who covered a wide array of topics including Export Readiness, Digital Marketing, Finance, Branding and Effective People Management. Participants were also furnished with information on how they can ringfence their businesses through innovative insurance and the use of intellectual property rights.
The Digital Marketing session, led by associate trainer for ZimTrade, Nikolina Kobali, showed how crucial the online opportunity is to businesses if they are to reach consumers effectively. The training demonstrated to participants how to use the internet and social media for optimal brand growth.
Another key issue for SMEs is how to access affordable finance to boost their operations. To address this challenge, participants were equipped with essential models to access finance for their businesses. Speaking on funding models, Mr. W. Mutume, an FML Wealth Manager, highlighted indicators that Fund Managers look at in deciding if they should finance a business.
Commenting on the impact of the workshop, one of the participants, Mr. Simbarashe Jimu said, “This was a very informative event touching on so many key issues facing a small business operating in Zimbabwe today. In a nutshell, I learned what to do to grow my business, and how I can eventually even sell to clients on international markets.”
ZimTrade Client Manager, Ronald Katsande, thanked FML for the partnership.
“In addition to being a good networking platform, the ZimTrade-FML workshop afforded our clients an opportunity to create or develop their business plans in line with a changing business environment. As ZimTrade, we advocate for Zimbabwean companies to conduct formal business and adhere to high standards wherever possible. In this way, Zimbabwe can improve its exports as these are crucial when we compete with international competitors. This workshop emphasized adopting formal and professional approaches to business, and we thank FML for partnering with us to promote this,” he said.
In addition to regular workshops and seminars throughout the year, ZimTrade also hosts the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness training programme (MBIC), which enhances companies’ export readiness.
Publish Date: Thursday 02 August 2018
