On August 30th, twenty local entrepreneurs went “farming” at a networking brunch hosted by the Franschhoek Wine Valley at the Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa.
The event, a collaborative effort involving the Cape Winelands Municipality, the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy and the Val de Vie Foundation, aimed to unite local entrepreneurs, facilitating the exchange of best practices for achieving business growth. Furthermore, it served as a unique opportunity for attendees to forge connections, share their collective experiences and engage with industry leaders who have successfully seized their own opportunities.
The event featured keynote speakers who covered a diverse range of topics, including social media, finance and partnerships.
- Kiara Havenga, social media expert and marketer, provided insights into various strategies for harnessing the power of social media as an effective marketing tool.
- Ian Fielding-Calcutt, a Val de Vie Estate homeowner and founder of Fielding and Nicholson bespoke tailors, shared invaluable advice on managing finances, avoiding common cash flow pitfalls, and effective budgeting.
- Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur, Reuben Riffel, added the cherry on top by emphasizing the significance of partnerships and cultivating the right attitude when collaborating in the business world.
Each speaker’s presentation was followed by a 10-minute Q&A session, allowing entrepreneurs to engage directly with the experts.
The event culminated on a high note with Jeremy Davids, the Academy Head of the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy, unveiling the Entrepreneurship Academy’s upcoming 6-week course, set to commence in October 2023 and funded by the Val de Vie Foundation. This comprehensive course will focus on vital business aspects, including product knowledge, business plan development, dealing with failure, costing, and budgeting.
We are very grateful to Val de Vie Estate homeowner, Ian Fielding-Calcutt, who has volunteered to facilitate two sessions during the course, centered around staffing and goal setting.
By empowering our small business owners to expand their enterprises, they will be better equipped to create job opportunities for others.
The Val de Vie Foundation is proud to support the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy, which plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment in our country.
