Africa-Press – Eswatini. SNG Grant Thornton Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to youth economic empowerment by awarding E30 000 in seed capital to outstanding young entrepreneurs.
The funding was distributed during the SNG Grant Thornton Business Seminar Pitch Competition, a high-impact initiative implemented by Begin Your Dreams.
The competition marked the grand finale of a comprehensive business seminar series. It brought together 10 youth-led businesses that presented their growth plans in a competitive showcase of innovation and resilience.
These finalists were meticulously selected from a group of 30 young people who attended a 3-day intensive entrepreneurship workshop in December. This created a practical pathway for youth to move directly from training to implementation.
THE PRIZE WINNERS:
The following entrepreneurs were awarded seed capital to accelerate their business operations:
1st Prize (E15 000): Hlobsile Dlamini — Pasture City Pty Ltd t/a Epower Hardware
2nd Prize (E10 000): Temalangeni Dlamini — Petra’s Bakery
3rd Prize (E5 000): Mphilisi Ngwenya — Shining Stars Academic Solutions
The event was attended by key regional stakeholders, including Mr. Babsy Mavuso, CEO of Nhlangano Town Council. His presence underscored the vital importance of partnerships that strengthen local enterprise development. By supporting these ventures, the council and its partners are fostering a robust ecosystem for regional youth entrepreneurship to thrive.
Beyond the immediate financial boost, all winners will now enter a six-month mentorship program. This phase focuses specifically on business development to ensure long-term success. Bongkhosi Shongwe, Chairperson of CSI at SNG Grant Thornton, emphasised that this investment reflects a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable development.
Shongwe noted that “SNG Grant Thornton continues to support young people to see sustainability and impact,” ensuring these businesses are not just launched, but are supported to scale effectively.
Through the expertise of Begin Your Dreams, the programme equips participants with relevant skills and market exposure. The seed capital is expected to help the winners expand their market reach and strengthen internal operations.
Ultimately, this initiative serves to inspire all participants to continue building investable, sustainable enterprises that contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
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