BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – Start your market readiness discovery journey, benefit from specialist training, tailored support and gain access to once-in-a-lifetime trade opportunities to build a successful business.
House On Fire through their Communications Officer Simon Dawson has announced the launch of a new one-year Artisanal Incubator Programme designed to support, capacitate and grow 10 Swati micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) brands.
Dawson said these businesses will be in the handicraft, artisan and food sectors to support their products and businesses to become market-ready.
The application form to apply can be found on Luju Festival social media, or visit this link:https://form.jotform.com/231623673824559
“Proudly sponsored by the European Union (EU), Alliances for Action and International Trade Centre (ITC), the programme will be implemented by the House On Fire festival team that manages over 200 traders annually through various food and handicraft events alongside an expert team of consultants such as Dala Spaces, Khokho Collection, international MSME’s trainers and local food industry professionals,” he said.
Meanwhile, Philippa Thorne of House on Fire encouraged MSME’s to apply, adding that the programme will enable participants to receive training, mentoring and two trading opportunities during the year where participants will get to trade with the public and experience first-hand feedback from customers.
“We are looking for 10 entrepreneurs to join this one-year programme, which includes mentoring sessions with experienced industry professionals, training across the handcraft, artisan and food industries. All of which will culminate in an opportunity to trade at the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival 2023 and MTN Bushfire 2024 if all the course criteria has been met by the participants,” she stated,” she said.
Thorne further added that they are looking for a diverse group of entrepreneurs whose businesses are in the early stages of growth.
“You do not have to be at an advanced stage in your business; if your packaging or some aspects of your business are not developed, please still apply. There is no age or gender limitation on who can apply for this programme,” she said.
Commitment to attend and participate in all the training sessions is, however, required from all the MSME brands.
Thorne emphasised that participants will be required to commit to attending all the training programmes at House on Fire and to cover their own transport to attend all training sessions.
The selection criteria that needs to be met by applicants includes the following:
● Entrepreneurs with hand-made products or packaged food/drinks.
● Entrepreneurs with hand-made products (e.g., handcraft, fashion, accessories, beauty, hair, home, lifestyle) OR/
● Entrepreneurs with processed artisanal food products (e.g., sauces, dried fruits, packaged foods and drinks)
● Original ideas or ideas with potential for development
● Committed leadership
● Commitment to developing your brand, products and business
● Being open to sharing your brand and product journey with other members of the cohort ●Being available to trade at the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival, from August 4-5 2023, as well as MTN Bushfire 2024, from May 30- June, 2,2024.
