July 2024.
In the small community of Onseepkans, close to Pofadder, Nicolette Josop has successfully launched her own business, Ini Hoeki Mobiele Koswa, thanks to a grant from Konkoonsies Solar Power. This support is part of a wider initiative aimed at encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship and creating local jobs in rural areas.
Ini Hoeki Mobiele Koswa has been trading since May this year and operates from a mobile kitchen funded by the grant, enabling it to serve a variety of dishes directly to the community at local events. This flexibility allows the business to adapt to the needs and rhythms of Onseepkans, serving food where it’s most desired, whether at festivals, sports days, or other community gatherings.
The mobile kitchen has already enabled the creation of new job opportunities, with one permanent and one temporary position being filled. This direct impact on local employment underscores the programme’s effectiveness in fostering economic opportunities within Onseepkans, a small settlement on the banks of the Orange River.
Over the next few months, this SMME will receive assistance with licensing and compliance, marketing, financial planning, staffing, and community engagement. These steps are crucial for ensuring the business operates smoothly and grows at a sustainable pace.
Nicolette Josop commented on the support: “The assistance from Konkoonsies Solar Power has been vital for starting Ini Hoeki Mobiele Koswa. It’s helped us not only begin our operations but also think about the future with confidence. We’ve been able to start on the right foot, knowing that the challenges we face can be managed with the ongoing support.”
Ini Hoeki Mobiele Koswa’s story shows the importance and impact of targeted grant funding in empowering local entrepreneurs and invigorating community economies. Furthermore, the ongoing support from Konkoonsies Solar Power will help build sustainable and resilient community enterprises.
“The challenges we faced, such as securing funds for branding, are being addressed, and we are optimistic about overcoming these obstacles with continued support and strategic planning. Overall, the help that we’ve received has set a solid foundation for sustainable growth, and we are excited about our future prospects,” concluded Josop.
