04 Apr 2017

Youth are often encouraged to implement their business ideas and pursue entrepreneurial interests to make a living and create employment.

Even though start-up capital is made available for the youth through government programmes, others opt to use their savings and seek funding to expand their established businesses.

Such is Mr Martin Batshwareng, who started from humble beginnings at the age of 20 and joined those in the business arena.

The 27-year-old Mr Batshwareng said he registered his business in 2010 and began importing clothes from South Africa and China.

He explained that his father was resourceful as he injected money to help him achieve his dream of venturing into business.

He also said he saved money, which he used to enroll for Sales and Marketing course in 2013 with the aim of improving his marketing skills.

He indicated that through his savings and support from his father, he bought a branding and an embroidery machine in 2014 and started getting orders, which gave him profitable results.

Mr Batshwareng said he won a BOT50 tender last year, which has paid off and helped him achieve other personal goals.

Today, he has employed five young people, four graduates in accounting, secretary studies, graphic design, sales and marketing respectively.

He said he has broadened his business into branding and marketing local labels such as last year’s Tlatsa Lebala merchandise, Anno Domin that Vee represented, merchandise for local events such as Clap your Hands, among others.

The enterprising youth said he is driven by passion, the more reason why he is able to face challenges that he meets.

He also has plans to host a 48-hour fashion show and also release a single. “I try new things, but mostly I study the market and engage knowledgeable people to help me with fresh ideas,” Mr Batshwareng said.

He also provides services as such as event management, design and branding, corporate wear, banner printing, web development, photography, marketing and advertising as well as general supplies.

“In future I aspire to have chain outlets and boutiques that only sell local brands. I have realised that Batswana are talented in fashion design and it is up to us to have people wear

our designs and market them internationally. We can make a mark and have people export or franchise our labels and designs,” Mr Batshwareng said.

He also advised that financial literacy was key, citing that business money should be separated from personal money, a mistake he said most young people in business make. In spite of his success, Mr Batshwareng decries delay in sourcing youth funds for expansion of his business, saying he wants to buy an industrial machinery for the purpose of branding. ENDS