INTRODUCING A SPACE FOR ALL YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO PROMOTE, GROW AND RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THEIR BUSINESSES AND SIDE HUSTLES.

Since the covid-19 outbreak, there has been a huge negative toll on the South African economy. One of the aspects that places our economy at risk is unemployment. According to Stats SA, the unemployment rate currently is at 33,9%. In that 33,9% it is said that 66,5% is the youth. We cannot expect any growth or stable economy when more than half of the youth is denied employment.

The government has made endless promises to tackle this issue and provide employment but it has been since no difference nor change. Impressively, the youth has taken the initiative to create jobs for themselves in the name of entrepreneurship and side hustles for those who have jobs that do not fully cover their expenses. Being an entrepreneur is a full-time job and requires a lot especially when still establishing your business. There’s certain qualities and skills you are required to possess, there’s expectations from your target market, there’s also capital required amongst other things. Some entrepreneurs, especially those who come from disadvantaged background lack the resources and information on how to handle and market their newly formed businesses. As Public Relations Practitioners we identified an issue at hand and decided to assist and create a space that will raise awareness of the youth who are trying to make a change in their lives and the society as well.

Every business requires marketing to grow and succeed. We have indulged in a page in one of the biggest social media platforms, Facebook called “Small ‘Local’ Businesses Matter” that was created a year ago but was inactive. This page will serve as a space where the youth who are artistic and entrepreneurs to promote, grow their business and gain more customers. It will be a page where we constantly post content that entrepreneurs want people to know about but do not have the platform to showcase it. It can be a goods or services or even entertainment businesses. The best part is there is no charge to the young entrepreneurs. It is completely free.

It is a small step and initiative taken but we have high hopes that the impact of it will be huge.

By Zamantungwa Khumalo