The audience loosening up at the Fit for 14 Business Seminar.
The Fit for ‘14 Business Seminar equipped entrepreneurs with tools
and techniques to ensure they meet their targets, grow their businesses
and cope with the professional, mental and personal demands in 2014.
Professor Shahida Cassim, Co-ordinator of the event and champion of
Entrepreneurship at the GSB&L, said: ‘The global economy is
undergoing radical transformation. This movement coupled with rapid
technological developments and the triple challenges of unemployment,
poverty and inequality requires a huge shift in the way we think and
certainly the way we do business.
‘Entrepreneurship provides the means to cope with these shifts. The
ability to think innovatively and creatively and practice this in your
life and business is the theme of the evening’s seminar. The
overwhelming response to the Startup Weekend Durban we hosted last year
is an indication that our community is ready for the entrepreneurial
journey.
‘We need to focus on enabling our students to learn how to learn and
by being at the cutting edge of knowledge use their acquired skills to
innovate to create value. This is essentially being entrepreneurial.
Through our formal programmes and events such as these we are flipping
the model of entrepreneurship education focusing on the mindset changes
that must accompany the skills set that will allow students to balance
theory and practice,’ said Cassim.
GSB&L Dean and Head of School, Professor Stephen Migiro, said the
School recognised the huge role entrepreneurship played in the economy.
The School was therefore taking a proactive approach in developing a
vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem.
‘Businesses exist in parallel with education institutions because
they provide an environment that mentors and guides aspiring
entrepreneurs. This is the reason we host events such as these so we can
reflect and share best practice for best business,’ said Migiro.
Entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and students attending the event
heard from the Durban Chamber of Commerce’s CEO, Mr Andrew Layman, about
the role the Chamber plays in aiding businesses.
Student body Enactus highlighted its role in steering
entrepreneurship, while Ms Samantha Lee from Bizfarm gave a presentation
on support systems available to entrepreneurs. Mr Lazarus Reddy of
Power works International delivered an inspiring motivational address on
adopting the right mindset for success.
Participants were very positive about the event and requested further engagement with the GSB&L’s team.