Global Entrepreneurship Network's (GEN) South Africa representatives visited Richards Bay for the first time to inform local business boffins about the annual GEN congress and motivate them to attend.

The event, taking place between 13 and 16 March at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, will gather entrepreneurs, researchers, policy makers and investors from 160 countries. Speakers will include President Jacob Zuma, Microsoft's Ali Faramawy, Discovery's Adrian Gore, Columbia Business School's Daniel Isenberg and Facebook's Ebele Okobi.

Attendance is free, but GEN SA representative Alesimo Mwanga advised interested entrepreneurs to register online to avoid disappointment. "We have to cap at full capacity (7 000 delegates) and there are already 4 000 people registered."

"This is a fantastic opportunity for start-ups to meet successful entrepreneurs from other countries, as well as potential investors. The congress also sees collaboration between the private and public sectors to strengthen the entrepreneurial eco-system, ultimately boosting job creation and economic growth."

Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) President Judith Nzimande said the congress will provide valuable answers for local entrepreneurs seeking funding, training, mentorship, access to markets and procurement. "Business owners should make the most of this opportunity as many are facing stumbling blocks such as access to corporates, lack of financial knowhow, poor management, lack of market research and the one-man show syndrome. After all, the small business failure rate is as high as 63% within the first two years."

Previously published in the Zululand Observer (Edited).