Alexandra Military Veterans Business Programme
The LED unit of the ARP and The Business Place report on progress
in the establishment of new businesses by military veterans in Alex.
Background In July 2007, at the request of the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP)
The Business Place was asked to assist the Alexandra Ex- Combatants
Association members in establishing their own businesses. The Group
has undergone skills assessment and have had training provided by The
Business Place and Sandton-based legal firm, Jowell, Glyn and Marais (JGM),
with assistance from Standard Bank and others. Where are we now?
The Military Veterans continued to meet at the Alexandra Renewal
Project offices in Wynberg.
Now that the Group are more confident in asking questions and
gathering information, they feel there is more work to do before they
are ready to present their business plans to potential funders.
Meet the Partners
Finally the groups have chosen names for their businesses. This was
after much thought and input from the members. The names have been
sent for “reservation” at CIPRO, and we wait to see if they are
successful.
- Sesonke Coffin Manufacturing
From Left to Right : Back : Hans Seatlholo; Ronnie Pitso, David
Jwara (support from AMVA)Michael Mathebula, (Front) David Nkosi and
Sam Nchabeleng (Absent : Michael Yende)
- Tsebang Tombstone Manufacturing
From Left to Right : Mandla Sibisi; Lonny Nkosi; Daniel Monyepao;
Alex Nthite; David Jwara
(support from AMVA), Absent Richard Moalusi
Market Research
Conducting their own thorough market research has made these men
hungry for information. The information they have gathered so far has
allowed them to identify where they need to uniquely position
themselves in the market, to gain the maximum competitive edge.
The group has investigated suppliers and competitors of retail as well
as raw materials, afar a field as Benoni and Alberton, are well on
their way to producing business plans for an industry they understand
and have knowledge of. Along the way, they have discovered that
business does not readily share information with potential
competitors. The undertaking industry is extremely competitive and
secretive, and without any actual product to exhibit, the group is
struggling to gain “committed” customers. However, there is indeed a
need for their products and keen interest from the local undertaking
industry to support the businesses once they are established. |
