Pictured above (From left): Buli G (Broadcaster, entertainer & businesswoman), Dr Nomvuselelo Songelwa (Author, Strategic & Operations Leader and personal executive coach), Jaime Meisenheimer (Brand & Communications Manager at Nashua) Judy Jennings (Nashua franchise owner, East London & Mthata)
Umtata: Nashua, a Total workspace solutions provider, recently organized technology workshops specifically designed for female entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape cities of Mthatha and East London. These workshops mark the inaugural initiatives within Nashua’s SME development program, scheduled to unfold over the next year.
According to research conducted by World Wide Worx on behalf of Nashua, the 2023 SME Tech Index demonstrates a noteworthy gap in technology access, with male-led businesses scoring at 72%, while female-led businesses stand at 56%. Nashua’s objective with these workshops is to bridge this technology divide and empower female SME owners to harness the potential of technology in their enterprises.
Distinguished speakers at the East London and Mthatha events included Nicky Verd, a prominent figure in digital technology, an author, speaker, and podcast host, alongside Dr. Nomvuselelo Songelwa, an accomplished author, strategic and operations leader, and personal executive coach.
Participants in these workshops received practical insights into leveraging office automation and workspace solutions to drive business growth. The speakers and attendees shared valuable experiences, explored technology’s role as an enabler, and delved into the future of female-led businesses. Moreover, the events provided an opportunity for networking among female business owners facing similar challenges.
Barry Venter, CEO of Nashua, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in enhancing SME productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. He highlighted the persistent obstacles that hinder small businesses’ access to cutting-edge technology, particularly in the face of economic difficulties and infrastructure issues. Venter underscored the research findings, indicating that women-owned companies experience even greater constraints. Nashua’s commitment through these workshops is to facilitate broader technology accessibility for SMEs, enabling them to fortify their businesses and remain resilient, adaptable, and productive in an ever-evolving landscape.
