Speaking on the Presidential award, Dr Patrick Ebewo, who spearheads both CED and the Department of Management Entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Management Sciences, said he was elated at the news, particularly after celebrating the five-year milestones a few days earlier. He added that the Centre has empowered more than 750 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMES).
“The Centre supports start-ups with entrepreneurial training, coaching and mentoring. It promotes the economic participation and inclusion of women, youth and people with disabilities through access to entrepreneurial education, business development and support,” said Dr Ebewo.
CED celebrates five years of excellence
CED recently celebrated its five-year anniversary, where Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams delivered a keynote address. The celebration highlighted the achievements and growth of the Centre over the past five years.
At the event, Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams said: “Consistent with the department's strategic objectives, the TUT Centre for Entrepreneurship Development strives to develop rural and township SMMEs and co-operatives to participate fully in the mainstream economy.”
She added that according to the National Development Plan 90% of jobs would come from small businesses and that small businesses are seen as catalysts for much-needed economic growth and engines for job creation.
“We will work with TUT to build a strong and sustainable small business sector,” she said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams gave CED a thumbs-up, stating that the Centre was doing a great job in empowering communities across the country.
Dr Edgar Nesamvuni, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences said the Centre was one of the Faculty’s Flagship initiatives.
“We are beyond proud. The Centre has empowered more than 750 SMMEs,120 smallholder farmers were trained on business development processes and over 650 youth nationwide, including our students, received entrepreneurial skills training,” Dr Nesamvuni concluded.