FUNDING APPLICATIONS AND BUSINESS CONSULTING SUPPORT EMPOWER ENTREPRENEURS
My November 2019 blog post entitled, “Eco-friendly Corporate Gifts Mean Well“, first introduced Cape Town-based small business DBD Solutions. The focus was on sourcing locally produced, quality, eco-friendly corporate gifts that add value for both the customer and producer. A desire to financially and socially empower South African women to become active participants in growing our economy underpinned this thinking. DBD Solutions remains dedicated to this ideal. The company has assisted ailing women-owned Small, Medium, Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with vital business and funding-application support. I share a success story of just how DBD Solutions empowers women entrepreneurs despite challenges such as COVID-19.
NETWORKING OF DBD SOLUTIONS EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS
Let me introduce you to a South African textile design and fashion small business based in Strand, Cape Town. Azania Exclusive Collections draws inspiration from indigenous South African and African tribes to create custom-made women and men’s print clothing. Clients can choose from Xhosa Umbhaco and Shweshwe designs, Ndebele wear, unique Zulu and Sesotho cultural apparel, as well as trending Ankara and Kitenge African wax print fabric originating from East and West Africa. One satisfied Facebook customer describes the business as an African collection that instils confidence and identity. Now the commendable efforts of DBD Solutions have helped Azania Exclusive Collections secure a breakthrough by landing their first international project!
THE HELPING HAND OF DBD SOLUTIONS EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS
Their latest endeavour – handmade Amulet button necklaces – are made exclusively to order. These necklaces are available in a variety of fabrics and patterns including Shweshwe, Ankara, plain colours and beautiful, soothing, satin fabrics. These lovely creations came to the attention of DBD Solutions owner and Managing Director, Benice Ruiters, who is the driver of the business behind the brand.
Different phases of the craft-making process. Painstakingly handmade amulet button necklaces. A labour of love for the talented crafters of Azania Exclusive Collections.
PARTNERING WITH DBD SOLUTIONS EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS
Azania Exclusive Collections owner and Director, Edna Kubeka’s, accountant recommended Benice’s business and mentoring services to her. Benice quickly spotted a business opportunity for Edna through the CrossRoads Company Project-Mana Box Project. The Mana Project supports women-owned enterprises by harnessing their talents to make incredible handmade South African gifts. These mana boxes have been compiled for quarterly subscriptions distributed to the USA.
Benice introduced Edna to the Company’s project manager and to Edna’s amazement, Azania Exclusive Collections was awarded a contract in August to make about 1 005 necklaces to be sent to the US. Through this contract Edna and her team – a talented group of women crafters committed to helping make a success of the business – were able to sustain her business for a vital three months from June to August this year. In a team effort, about 1 800 South African women ensured the project was a success by meeting the end of September shipment deadline. No mean feat.
Cape Town-based small business pulls off successful handmade necklace project during COVID-19.
ABUNDANCE OF GOOD NEWS AS DBD SOLUTIONS EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS
More good news came Edna’s way at the end of September. Her clothing and textile company secured a funding loan from the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA). After two previous failed attempts to secure funding Benice motivated and supported a despondent Edna to try yet again. It was a case of third time lucky; Azania Exclusive Collections funding application was approved. The company received a R106 000 funding loan from SEFA for Female in Textile Design at the end of September!
KUDOS AS DBD SOLUTIONS EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS
Edna is ecstatic and has only good things to say about her experience with Benice and DBD Solutions. “I believe the assistance of DBD Solutions played a big role in the SEFA approval. DBD Solutions offers a refreshing personal touch to their services and Benice really goes the extra mile for her clients. For this reason, I highly recommend DBD Solutions as one of the best consulting and mentoring service providers,” explained Edna.
My humanity is bound up with yours, for we can only be human together. – Desmond Tutu
DBD SOLUTIONS ON A MISSION TO EMPOWER ENTREPRENEURS
DBD Solutions (the acronym stands for Benice’s husband, David, Benice herself, and their daughter, Daniella). The need and desire to spend more time raising and nurturing her daughter, prompted Benice to strike out on her own as an entrepreneur and business owner. In June 2019, DBD Solutions was officially borne.
DBD SOLUTIONS MULTI-FACETED ENTITY EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS
DBD Solutions is a multi-faceted company. It provides Human Resources (HR) and business consulting services to SMMEs and women entrepreneurs. Benice elaborates, “We mentor SMMEs and entrepreneurs for growth, find opportunities and funding while strategising with corporates in the enterprise development arena.” Her company also offers short-term accommodation to corporate clients in Plattekloof as a viable alternative to hotel stay. Benice has personally sourced a proudly South African, eco-friendly corporate gifts product line. It should come as no surprise that she is always on-the-go.
DBD SOLUTIONS WATCH THIS SPACE…
“My vision is to inspire, educate, empower, and upskill women entrepreneurs. I want to help them with funding applications and skills development funding projects,” declared Benice. The women entrepreneurs she is keen on focusing her attention are those who struggle to take their businesses to the next level. “I strive to support and guide women to their ultimate business solution. Another goal is job creation. It will help address the challenge of unemployment in our country,” said an enthusiastic Benice.
The Owner and Managing Director of DBD Solutions, Benice Ruiters, is motivated to help women entrepreneurs.
We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference. – Nelson Mandela
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
COVID-19 has caused health and economic devastation across the globe and compounded the challenges South Africa faces. We are all concerned about the pandemic. Our current situation presents a tremendous opportunity for a new beginning as SMMEs do their bit to forge partnerships. These partnerships are a means of working collectively together towards the eradication of poverty and unemployment in our beloved country. These partnerships will help rebuild, repair, and restore local businesses and our economy. DBD Solutions offers reliable and supportive connections, Human Resources (HR) and business consulting services. It comes at a time women-owned enterprises are actively seeking to help others by helping themselves. This story is about faith, self-belief, hope, perseverance, and resilience. Benice hopes this story inspires other entrepreneurs to stay motivated and proactive. To seek the necessary business expertise and support in helping them develop their businesses and marketing acumen.
The ability, courage and desire to keep going (positively) especially during these times is what counts, and that is what seperates success from failure. – Benice Ruiters
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