Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
06 Sesptember 2024
In 2023, Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd (ALLISA), proudly sponsored the
establishment of the Secunda Business Hub dedicated to assist Small Medium and Micro Enterprises
(SMMEs) by providing a range of resources to help these businesses grow.
During this Women’s Month ALLISA took a step forward as some of its accomplished professionals shared their knowledge and skills in specialized workshops.
“We are excited to leverage the expertise of our employees to support local SMMEs. This initiative
underscores our commitment to empowering local SMMEs through our Enterprise development initiative
together with gender empowerment.
Empowering local businesses is crucial for economic growth.
These workshops were designed to provide practical, actionable advice that entrepreneurs can immediately implement.” said Lasad Jaouani, ALLISA General Manager & Vice President.
Nomfundo Mduli, Business Hub Manager reminded us, “The Secunda Business Hub, stands as a beacon
of opportunity, providing essential facilities and support to up-and-coming entrepreneurs. We cultivate innovation, collaboration, and growth, ensuring that every business has the space and resources to flourish.
The workshops hosted by Air Liquide have helped gain momentum in reaching more people”. With 80% of attendees being Women business owners, these workshops highlight Air Liquide’s
commitment to gender empowerment and economic development.
The workshops were animated by ALLISA experts: Pulane Banda (ALLISA Human Resources Business Partner), Shilan Tavdia (Procurement Compliance Manager), Vash Nair (ALLISA Procurement Director), Taku Mudzengi (ALLISA
Financial Director) and Martin Baird (ALLISA Commercial Manager).
The attendees found these workshops to be fruitful:
“Before attending these workshops, we were aware
of the various aspects present in larger businesses but often found them irrelevant to our Small
Enterprises.
However, these workshops have provided us with valuable insights, showing us how to apply
these principles in our daily operations to help our business progress.” commented Ethel Kubheka,
founder of Kidmatic Foundation.
