Patience Makwele
Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses has urged women entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses and take advantage of government support programmes aimed at helping small enterprises expand and create jobs.
The call came during a Women and Youth Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Business Engagement Meeting in Swakopmund, where 18 entrepreneurs operating in sectors including tailoring, beauty and wellness, cultural crafts and other small businesses met with the governor to discuss challenges and opportunities facing their enterprises.
The engagement provided a platform for the entrepreneurs to share their experiences while exploring government support mechanisms such as business registration, access to funding, cooperative formation and market opportunities.
/Goagoses announced that her office would assist 10 entrepreneurs who have not yet registered their businesses due to financial constraints and limited knowledge of the registration process.
She said formalising businesses would enable entrepreneurs to operate legally, access government support programmes and position themselves for future growth.
The governor also encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their businesses, creating employment opportunities and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
“These products cannot stay in our homes. They need to be put on the market. They need to be sold. They need to increase. These products must go out,” she said.
Women aged 45 years and younger will also receive assistance to apply for funding through the National Youth Development Fund, which offers low-interest loans without requiring collateral.
/Goagoses further encouraged the entrepreneurs to work together, develop sound business plans and improve the quality of their products and services to compete in local and international markets.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Daphne Nashilundo welcomed the initiative and encouraged more women entrepreneurs to seek available support to strengthen their businesses.
The entrepreneurs have been given two weeks to submit their business registration documents and funding applications as part of the pilot programme.
