By Staff Reporter
Ondangwa, Aug. 14 – Bank Windhoek’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Division, in collaboration with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Northern Office, recently organized enlightening SME information sessions in Ondangwa and Oshakati, aimed at fostering meaningful engagement, sharing information, and identifying opportunities for SMEs facing challenges while striving to run successful businesses.
Jenevieve Swartz, Bank Windhoek’s Manager of Emerging SMEs, explained that the sessions provided a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to voice their challenges and explore growth opportunities. The Ondangwa session drew participation from 26 entrepreneurs, while the Oshakati session hosted 42 entrepreneurs. The Bank’s dedicated SME team, along with the local Ondangwa and Oshakati Branch staff, presented Bank Windhoek’s diverse range of products and services to attendees.
Amalia Schmidt, a seasoned businesswoman and NCCI Exco member extended a warm welcome to attendees, commending their resilience during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shatona Tuyenikelao, an SME business owner in Oshakati, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bank Windhoek for the engaging session, underscoring the value of future interactions.
The Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) Micro-Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Business Advisory Services unit, a vital strategic partner, participated in both sessions. They delivered an informative presentation detailing the MSME unit’s mandate and the ongoing initiatives designed to drive growth in Namibia.
The key theme that emerged from both the Ondangwa and Oshakati sessions was the vital need for access to information. Participants emphasized that many interventions are often concentrated in Windhoek, leaving the Northern regions underrepresented. Additionally, the SMEs stressed the importance of access to finance for business expansion, as well as mentoring and coaching on various aspects of running a successful enterprise. Furthermore, engaging with bank staff who comprehend the nuances of their businesses was highlighted as a priority.
Jenevieve Swartz, Bank Windhoek’s Manager of Emerging SMEs, emphasized the significance of ongoing engagement with SMEs to better understand their expectations and provide tailor-made solutions for their distinctive business ventures. “As connectors of positive change, our ambition is to extend these sessions to all 14 regions, where feasible, ensuring that information access is widespread. We highly value our existing and potential clients, and our aim is to strengthen these relationships through regular outreach,” she affirmed.
