By Inside Biz
One Small Medium Enterprise (SME) that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic stands to be recapitalized by the Vusumnotfo Expo 2023.
The business will be resuscitated through the proceeds made from the event and sponsorships received from partners and stakeholders. This initiative is named ‘One Project at a Time’ and is specifically targeted at small and micro-enterprises operating in Eswatini.
The Vusumnotfo Expo is a collaboration between the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC), and Tums Water World Hotel.
This year’s Expo will run from 22-25 March 2023. The event will be taking place for the second year running and is aimed at developing trade and economic activity in Eswatini.
Tanya Fyfe, CEO of FESBC gives some background on the initiative, “The COVID-19 pandemic came as a major challenge to businesses as we know it in Eswatini and across the world. For some, the challenges proved too intense and they were forced to either stop operating or considerably scale down their operations.”
She added that the purpose of the Vusumnotfo Expo is to rebuild our economy by encouraging knowledge transfer, network building, and stimulating economic activity.
“As much as we give opportunities for businesses to increase their income and trade goods during the Expo itself, we also found it important to assist at least one challenged small or micro-enterprise with the resources it needs to get back on its feet in the midst of a tough economic period. The idea is to give this business resources that will allow it to come back stronger through additional capital and most importantly through training, mentorship, and capacity building.”
In a conversation with this publication, EIPA disclosed that the business to receive assistance will be selected by a panel of business leaders yet to be announced. The criteria for eligible businesses will also be shared in due course.
Businesses or members of the public who would like to book exhibition stands can contact FESBC at (+268) 7642 8714 or fesbcsales@gmail.com. Exhibition stands are available to book at a fee on 23-25 March for businesses or for informal traders (market stalls) on 25 March.
More details on the event can be found on the Vusumnotfo Expo 2023 Facebook page.