For the 20 small-business owners and fledgling entrepreneurs who attended the training workshop at Kingsway Church International (KCI) in Doonside, what they heard must have called into question everything they may have presumed from the workshop’s title ‘Business-in-a-Box’.
In every way, they were challenged to think way out of the box about how to run effective and profitable enterprises. The one-day course was presented by a team from Domino Business comprising one of its staff and three members from the Domino Foundation, and drew in both men and women who were keen to glean as much as possible about foundational business practices such as marketing; cost and selling prices; gross profit; the value of a loyal customer and the basics of selling.
All of the participants have a connection with Domino’s nutrition programme in Amanzimtoti with some being drawn from the early childhood development centres which are supplied with sandwiches by the Toti kitchens and some being individual beneficiaries of the programme, while others are already running small businesses and are looking to hone their entrepreneurial skills.
Cheryl Dann, leader of the Toti Nutrition team, said: “The Business-in-a-Box training will equip them with essential skill sets and the importance of sound business practice.”
She described the day as being rather varied in its approach, starting with an extremely interactive, hands-on ‘business game’. Videos and discussion groups took place in the afternoon, discussing topics like: ‘Understanding the Customer’, ‘Defining the Target Market’, ‘Knowing your Competition’, Saving and Pivoting your business’.
Results of the game were announced at the end of the day and the attendees were presented with certificates and starter packs from the Halleluja product line (body wash and body lotion) for them to start their businesses. “Once they have sold everything, they can contact me at the Domino Toti Kitchen to buy more product,” said Cheryl.
Anyone needing information on Business-in-a-Box can contact Cheryl on nutritionsouth@domino.org.za or 087-821-6089.
