JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ABSA said 4 000 small business had been empowered through business seminars and workshops it had held over the past four months in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The collaborations with the private and public sector as well as non-profit organisations from across Gauteng saw 70 seminars and workshops hosted to empower beneficiaries with entrepreneurial skills and non-financial support.

The seminars also provided free advice to participants to help solve some of the challenges that entrepreneurs face. This included funding and customised services to help businesses succeed in Gauteng’s vibrant economy.

“The seminars we have hosted form part of Absa’s strategic objective to help entrepreneurs grow,” said Banie Claasen, newly appointed Provincial Managing Executive of Absa in Gauteng South.

Claasen said 65 percent of the beneficiaries of the seminars were youth and women.

A total of 1 050 youth were assisted including students and local businesses at the Gauteng South West College Entrepreneurship seminar in Soweto and learners participating in the Junior Achievers South Africa Programme in Orange Farm.

In partnership with some organisations, Absa has empowered a further 878 women-owned enterprises to boost their understanding of finance applications.

The seminars covered various townships.

Absa expects to assist 2 500 more entrepreneurs by the end of the year through hosting a series of additional seminars, workshops and SME  exhibitions.

– CAJ News