The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recebtly hosted the UJ Global Entrepreneurship Day at the Soweto Campus, marking a significant milestone, the 10-year anniversary of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Programme (SBEP).

This event showcased the partnership between UJ’s Financial Support Services and the Centre for Entrepreneurship, highlighting UJ Finance’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic inclusion in South Africa.

The SBEP, a short-learning developmental programme, has empowered over 1,500 entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge across various sectors, contributing to job creation and local economic growth. The programme has yielded remarkable results, with beneficiary SMMEs reporting improvements in marketing, financial management, human resources, and people management skills.

The event brought together SMMEs and industry leaders, to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation. Notable attendees included Dr. Thami Mazwai, Vice-Chancellor of ZCAS University, and former Dean and Head of Department of Entrepreneurship at UJ, academics, and business industry leaders. A total of 120 UJ SMMEs exhibited their products and services, and over 400 SMME delegates attended, networking and sharing ideas.

The UJ Global Entrepreneurship Day aligned with UJ’s 20-year celebration milestone, solidifying the University’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The event was made possible by the unwavering support of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who has been instrumental in the success of the ESD programme.

This celebration showcased UJ’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth, making a lasting impact on the community.