At Sothaba Enterprise Associates, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable business growth. One of our recent initiatives was our collaboration with Avo Vision on their Artisanal Charcoal Incubation Programme, an initiative aimed at transforming small-scale charcoal entrepreneurs in Ga-Kibi, Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo.

Spearheaded by Avo Vision, this programme was designed to equip business owners with critical business and financial management skills, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth in the charcoal production industry. As their Business Coaching Partner, we worked closely with eight enterprises over an eight-month period, guiding them through their challenges, refining their business models, and developing tailored strategies for success.

How We Implemented the Programme

1. Diagnostic Assessments and Business Profiling

We began the programme with a reflection session and site visits to onboard participants. Each business underwent a diagnostic assessment to understand its current standing, challenges, and opportunities. This profiling exercise helped us customise our coaching approach to suit the specific needs of each entrepreneur.

2. Structured Coaching Sessions

From July 2024 to February 2025, we conducted coaching sessions for each enterprise, with monthly business reviews and reports. Our coaching focused on:

• Business planning and strategy development
• Financial management and budgeting
• Market access and sales strategies
• Operational efficiencies and resource management
• Regulatory compliance and business formalisation
• Personal development and leadership skills

Through these sessions, entrepreneurs received tailored guidance on how to optimise their operations, strengthen their market presence, and enhance their financial sustainability.

3. Addressing Common Challenges

Many entrepreneurs faced similar hurdles, including:

• Financial Constraints: Difficulty accessing funding and poor financial record-keeping.
• Market Access: Limited knowledge on customer acquisition and branding.
• Operational Challenges: Inadequate production facilities and supply chain inefficiencies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Struggles with meeting industry standards and obtaining necessary certifications.
• Mindset Shift: A tendency to expect external solutions rather than take proactive steps.

We tackled these challenges through targeted coaching, helping participants develop proactive strategies and sustainable business models.

4. Individualized Support and Growth Plans

Each entrepreneur received personalised recommendations and next steps, such as:

• Developing accurate pricing and costing models.
• Enhancing marketing and branding strategies.
• Establishing partnerships to improve supply chain and distribution.
• Exploring funding opportunities from government and private institutions.

5. Final Coaching and Reflection Session

Our final coaching session in February 2025, provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made, key learnings, and future strategies. Entrepreneurs shared their experiences, growth trajectories, and ongoing challenges, highlighting the value of mentorship in their business journey.

Impact and Future Outlook

The programme has been transformational for the participants, equipping them with essential skills to scale their businesses. While some entrepreneurs demonstrated a clear pathway to sustainability, others still require additional support. Our key recommendations included:

• Strengthening the ecosystem of support for small enterprises by involving various stakeholders.
• Facilitating market aggregation to lower transportation costs and improve collective bargaining power.
• Enhancing access to funding and financial management training.
• Expanding coaching content to cover personal well-being and stress management.

Avo Vision’s vision for the incubation programme has proven to be an invaluable initiative in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. With ongoing support, these entrepreneurs are now better equipped to contribute to the local economy, create jobs, and build businesses that balance profit, people, and planet.

At Sothaba Enterprise Associates, we remain committed to supporting these entrepreneurs beyond the programme, ensuring that their journeys toward growth and sustainability continue.