Inaugural youth investment summit a success
Gaone Marumoloa | Wednesday May 3, 2017 15:56
The organiser of the summit, Letso Barupi said BIS is a platform for young entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to possible investors who may put money into their businesses.
“It was a first time summit and looking at the turn-up, I intend to make it annual,” Barupi said.
He added that he realises the need in entrepreneurs to make their businesses work, so he links them with private companies for funding. Barupi said he has realised that the youth and entrepreneurs in general struggle to get funding after they have come up with their business proposals.
About 22 entrepreneurs presented their ideas, and they were judged according to their confidence in their business and how well they sell their businesses and knowing how much they need for their business.
Companies that were represented at the summit were Forex Trading represented by Kitso Segolodi, Golden Holdings represented by Chibiya Ncizi and Botswana Index Rating represented by Shine Keabetswe. At the summit, judges adjudicated on presentations from participants with names of the 10 winners who will receive funding, expected to be released this week.
When advising entrepreneurs, Ncizi, the director of Golden Holdings, an accounting and consultancy firm, said it is within the entrepreneurs to know what they want and go ahead and get it.
He said they should not have to rely on being employees; rather they should aspire to be employers. Barupi told Mmegi Business that although the summit was a success, he had a few stumbling blocks as he had to fund everything out of his pocket, as he had no sponsorship.