...competition tackles biggest challenges, unemployment

Speaking during the announcement of this year’s winners of TechnoServe’s Believe Begin Become (BBB) business plan competition at the Royal Villas on Friday, Maseko said as a bank, they conduct their business with more than profitability in mind.

"We also strive to participate in a meaningful way in tackling the most pressing social and economic problems. TechnoServe’s competition in a way tackles one of our biggest challenges in the kingdom, unemployment. It’s also tackles the other challenge faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, which is raising capital to start their businesses. We are proud as Standard Bank to be associated with this initiative," he said.

Standard Bank is one of the sponsors of the competition, together with Nedbank Swaziland.

The major sponsor is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Maseko said the bank’s involvement in entrepreneurship development was evident through the launch of the ‘Business in a Box’, a tool kit that seeks to assist and guide aspiring entrepreneurs.

Giving some insight about the box, Maseko said the first issue included starting and managing a business, which contained tips and must have references to save time, share knowledge and secure maximum return on investments.

He said the second issue focused on expanding and managing the growth of the business, while the third one looked into securing and managing finances.

QUOTES

"Believe in yourselves and have faith in your abilities. There will be times when there will be obstacles but never let discouragement creep in nor negative thoughts."

Calvin Maseko – Standard Bank

"My dream has always been to fulfil my passion of owning a tourist related business."

Mandla Masuku - Winner

"In the two years that I have witnessed the competition, I know the amount of work that has been invested in making it a success."

Maurice Parker - USA Ambassador

NB: More stories in tomorrow’s publication