Nine beneficiaries of the Development Bank of Namibia’s (DBN) National Mentoring and Coaching Program (NMCP) will showcase their businesses at the Windhoek Industrial Show.
This comes as the maiden phase of the NMCP boasted participation from 130 SMEs from every corner of Namibia, with each having benefited from the mentorship and guidance provided by 13 service providers.
The bank launched the mentorship program aimed at equipping SMEs with entrepreneurial skills and empowering them to enhance their competitiveness and recognize available resources for expansion in July.
“A shining illustration of the NMCP in action is a collective of micro-businesses, primarily comprising disadvantaged entrepreneurs from Katutura in Windhoek. In a remarkable demonstration of unity, these businesses have come together to showcase their diverse products and services at the Windhoek Show, hosted at the Galphini Hall,” said DBN Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Jerome Mutumba.
“A standout feature of this program is its unwavering emphasis on practical, hands-on coaching and mentoring, delivered over a six-month period. The comprehensive curriculum delves into fundamental business management skills, encompassing financial management, marketing strategies, procurement processes, efficient business organization, tendering procedures, and adept business plan preparation,” he said.
Mutumba further explained that equipping SMEs with practical skills and providing a platform for collaboration is important for nurturing a thriving SME sector and fostering economic growth.
The businesses comprise various sectors ranging from arts and crafts, leather products, bags/knapsacks, clothing, business consultancy, photography, graphic design, refrigeration/air-conditioning, and First Aid training.
