BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE- The Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) continues to support cooperatives and other organisations to access finance.
Today, SEDCO hosted a workshop for four cooperatives from the Ntfonjeni Inkhundla and it was aimed at helping them access finance and grow their businesses. The cooperatives were given the opportunity to meet with representatives from several financial institutions, including Eswatini Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP), Eswatini Bank, Swaziland Building Society (SBA), and the Regional Development Fund (RDF).
According to information sourced on Facebook the workshop provided valuable information and insights on accessing finance and running a successful business.
Ntfonjeni Member of Parliament (MP) Honourable Raymond Dlamini attended the event and thanked the financial institutions for their participation. Dlamini expressed his support for the cooperatives and assured them of Government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
He further emphasised the importance of equitable distribution of the agricultural budget to ensure that all farmers, including cooperatives, could access the resources they needed to succeed. The MP’s presence at the event highlighted Government’s dedication to promoting and supporting cooperative development in Eswatini.
The workshop focused on demystifying the lending process and providing insight into the specific requirements of each financial institution. It was emphasised that building strong relationships with financial institutions is key to accessing loans, and that this can be achieved by understanding their expectations and making timely repayments. The workshop helped the cooperatives develop a better understanding of how to navigate the lending landscape and access the financial resources they need to grow their businesses.
SEDCO reaffirmed its dedication to providing the essential services and tools needed for business growth, including developing business plans. These plans are vital for cooperatives seeking funding, and SEDCO is committed to supporting them every step of the way. By equipping cooperatives with the right tools and knowledge, SEDCO empowers them to thrive and achieve long-term success.
