Business

Priorities Your Mental Health As An entrepreneur.

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In the fast-paced world of enterpreneurship, it’s easy to get swept up in the relentless pursuit of success, growth, and innovation. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s one essential element that often takes a backseat: your mental health.

Entrepreneurship is often described as a rollercoaster ride, filled with exhilarating highs and challenging lows. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, make critical decisions, and navigate uncertainty can take a toll on your mental health. As entrepreneurs, you bear the weight of your dreams and ambitious, but you must also carry the responsibility of caring for your mental well-being.

Contrary to the myth of the “tough entrepreneur”, neglecting your mental health doesn’t make you stronger. In fact, it can hinder your ability to lead effectively, make clear decisions, and adapt to challenges. Your mental state significantly influences your business’s success. When you prioritise your mental health, you enhance your resilience, creativity, and problem-solving abilities- essential attributes for entrepreneurial success.

The stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents entrepreneurs from seeking help when they need it most. But just as they wouldn’t hesitate to consult experts for their businesses, they should be equally willing to seek professional guidance for your mental well-being.

Kgaugelo Phalane emphasizes the importance of mental health in entrepreneurship, saying, ‘Prioritizing my well-being has been instrumental in my production business. By taking care of my mental health, I’m able to stay focused, make better decisions and drive innovation “.

Your journey in enterpreneurship is an enduring one, and your mental health is the most precious asset.

How To Apply For The National Lotteries Commission Funds.

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The National Lotteries Commission was established in South Africa in 2000 to fund projects that improve the lives of South Africans. Since it’s inception, the National Lotteries Commission has awarded more than R13 billion in grants to a wide range of organizations and initiatives, including social development, health, education, sports, and arts and culture. These grants have funded projects that have had a significant impact on the lives of South Africans, from providing medical care for disadvantaged communities to funding sporting development programs that have produced world-class athletes.

To apply for funds from the National Lotteries Commission, you first need to determine if your project is eligible for funding. The National Lotteries Commission funds projects that have a positive impact on South African society, such as those that promote education, health, sports, arts and culture, and social development. If your project meets these criteria, you can then proceed to the next step, which is to complete the application form. The application form requires you to provide information about your project, including it’s objectives, beneficiaries, and budget. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by a panel of experts who will decide if you’re eligible to the funds.

When writing your application for National Lotteries Commission funding, it’s important to focus on the impact your project will have on South African society. Make sure to clearly state the problem you are trying to solve and how your project will address that problem. Use concrete examples and evidence to support your claims. In addition, be clear about how you will measure the success of your project and how you will use the funds from the National Lotteries Commission. Finally, be sure to follow all the instructions and requirements in the application form. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of receiving funding from the National Lotteries Commission.

The next step is to wait for a response from the National Lotteries Commission. The review process can take up to six months, so it’s important to be patient. If your application is successful, you will be notified by the National Lotteries Commission and you will be asked to sign a grant agreement. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the grant, including how the funds must be used and how the project must be monitored and evaluated. Once the agreement is signed, the funds will be released to your organization.

If your application for National Lotteries Commission funding is rejected, don’t despair! There are several things you can do to improve your chances next time around. First, take the time to review the feedback you received from the National Lotteries Commission.Use this feedback to improve your project and your application. Second, reach out to the National Lotteries Commission for more information and advice on how to improve your chances of being approved. Finally, don’t give up! Keep applying and be persistent in your pursuit of funding. With perseverance, you may eventually receive the funding you need.

In addition to the National Lotteries Commission, there are a number of other sources of funding available for projects in South Africa. These include government grants, private foundations, and crowdfunding platforms. It’s important to explore all of your options and to find the best fit for your project. In some cases, a combination of funding sources may be the best option. By exploring all of your options, you can find the funding you need to make your project a success.

After completing the application process and signing a grant agreement, the next step is to implement your project and use the funds from the National Lotteries Commission according to the terms of the agreement. It’s important to keep accurate records and to submit regular reports on the progress of your project. This will ensure that you are in compliance with the terms of the agreement and that you are making good use of the funds. By following these steps, you can ensure that your project is successful and that you can continue to receive funding from the National Lotteries Commission in the future.

Award-Winning Enterprenuer Selling Her Branded Products With Pride.

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The Award-Winning enterprenuer Ditebogo Shibambo, is a South African entrepreneur who has achieved great success by selling her own branded products. 

Her story began back in 2021 when Covid-19 was attacking our country and many people’s job were at the edge of the grave. Ditebogo refused to bask when she knew she can do something, with the little she had. We all start somewhere. She started her secret ingredients achaar business, a South African’s favourite pickled condiment, to make some extra money with just R500. Her achaar, D’s delicious achaar became popular that she decided to expand her business, adding D’s delicious mineral water, chilli sauce and ice-pops to her product line. With hard work and determination, she has built a thriving business that continues to grow and expand.

Ditebogo Shibambo is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, grit and consistency. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, she has built a successful business selling her own branded products. From humble beginnings selling achaar from her home, she founded Shibambo Holdings, and she shows no signs of slowing down. With passion and the will to succeed, she has overcome the odds to become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Ditebogo’s journey as an entrepreneur is inspiring. When she first started out, she had no idea that her small business would grow to the size it is today. She started with a very little amount of money, but she was determined to make her business a success. She started by selling achaar to friends and family door-to-door, and soon word of mouth spread about her delicious product. She began getting orders from all over Mashashane and she knew she was onto something special, today supplying over 12 stores in Mashashane,Moletjie and Seshego township. However, she faced many challenges along the way.

Ditebogo faced few difficulties, like any other business. However, she persevered and eventually found a way to overcome the challenges. She used social media to connect with other entrepreneurs who had faced similar challenges, and she learned from their experiences, and her own mistakes. She also took the time to research the market and find the right target for her needs.

Ditebogo is the co-founder of Mashashane Youth Hope Givers, working closely with two Mashashane best Enterprenuers, Tshepo Koma and Mpho Matlatle. The organisation does wonders in the village and never cease to amaze us, donating school uniform and sanitary pads to those in need. Ditebogo is indeed an enterprenuer to love and follow with assurance.

“In 2022, My fellow business owner friend, Tshepo Minyuku of LaBridge Wines and myself took it upon ourselves to attend a business seminar in Polokwane that was hosted frequently by Mr. Clifford Pitjeng of Pitjeng & Sons Projects (Pty) Lty. We learnt how to personally grow in the industry without entirely depending on anyone. We learnt about the importance of branding, marketing and making our products the actual product, to name a few.” she said. Ditebogo’s advice on owning a business and branding, she says; “A business without branding is an item, and a product when it is branded. Wear your brand, eat your brand, live your brand”. She nodded.

The enterprenuer tells The Reddot that becoming one of the best Female Enterprenuer from the rural Mashashane was not a rushed decision. She took her own path and pace, and came alright. Year 2024, Shibambo Holdings introduced yet another service, grass cutting. “Walking around my hood on rain seasons, lots of people in my neighbourhood were filled of curiosity as to where to get a professional grasscutter, and I decided to bless my neighbours with a professional and affordable grass cutting service creating 2 jobs and counting”. Said Ditebogo.

Ditebogo says she is not after fame, but greatness, creating jobs and been an inspiration to those who follow her footsteps. She says that; ” although running a business is challenging and comes with it’s problems, one just got to persevere, keep their head high and believe that all shall be well. “Believing in myself and ignoring the negative feedback and comments from people around me, worked wonders for me. I know what I want afterall and I’m focused on working towards my goals”.

“My D’s delicious products goes with any meal. Whether you’re a Kasi food lover, eastern food worm, my products dwels in deliciously”Ditebogo concluded.

Facebook:Ditebogo Shibambow

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