By: Mpho Shelile

MASERU

In a country where job creation remains a pressing challenge, BAM Group Foundation (BGF) has taken a bold step to empower young entrepreneurs and women through its newly launched Incubation Hub. This initiative aims to provide aspiring business owners with the essential tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive in their respective fields. By fostering entrepreneurship, BGF seeks to alleviate poverty and create sustainable employment opportunities for Basotho youth.

As part of this commitment, BGF welcomed its first cohort of incubatees on February 1st, kicking off a transformative six-month program set to run until July 2025. The selected participants specialise in diverse creative fields, including photography and videography, theatre, creative arts, and graphic design.The Incubation Hub is designed to drive economic growth and innovation by equipping participants with vital business skills and resources.

The call for applications, which opened in November 2024, attracted talented entrepreneurs from various industries. Six promising enterprises were chosen for this intensive program, where they will receive guidance on crucial aspects of business, such as marketing and operations, financial management, human resources, legal compliance, and overall business strategy.

The Incubation Hub provides participants with an array of benefits, including hands-on training, access to funding opportunities, cost-saving resources such as shared workspaces and marketing support, mentorship from industry experts, and valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, they will receive specialised business skills training to help them navigate the evolving business landscape successfully.

Speaking to Informative Newspaper, one of the incubatees, Thato Elna Nei, founder of Unfiltered Perspective Media Production Company, expressed immense gratitude to BGF for this opportunity. She emphasised her eagerness to gain deeper insights into marketing strategies, audience engagement, and brand growth. Thato is particularly excited about honing her skills in managing a media company, improving internal operations, content creation, and team leadership. She hopes to learn how to monetise her media business by exploring innovative revenue streams, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging digital platforms. By the end of the program, she is confident that she will be well-equipped to elevate her company to greater heights.

Another incubatee, Katara Koloi, owner of Davey Visuals, shared his enthusiasm for the program. As a graphic designer, he has faced challenges in pitching his business, securing clients, and expanding his network. He believes the incubation journey will address these obstacles and equip him with the necessary skills to formalise his business, enhance his pitching abilities, and effectively market his services. “Within just three days of the program, I already see the light,” he said, expressing optimism about the potential business opportunities he has identified.

Through initiatives like the Incubation Hub, BGF is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Lesotho. By nurturing young talent and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, the foundation is fostering a new generation of innovative business leaders ready to make a lasting impact on the economy.