Profica supports WPN entrepreneurship event

Profica supported a successful Women’s Property Network (WPN) event focused on entrepreneurship on 19 April at the Protea Fire & Ice, Melrose.

Dave Harris & Hiral Nyaran
Profica has a silver membership with the WPN, encouraging female staff to network with other women in the industry, gain advice and overcome the barriers they experience.

“The event was an excellent experience and we learnt a great deal,” says Kutlwano Rasodi, a Project Manager for construction solutions company Profica and a member of the Women’s Property Network.

“The theme of entrepreneurship in the property industry was a good fit for us, as we’re proud of Profica’s entrepreneurial business culture.”

Five high profile speakers, all entrepreneurs in the property industry themselves, sparked lively discussion with the audience present. These speakers included Tim White, Founder and Group Managing Director of Profica; Angel Jones, CEO and Founder of the Homecoming Revolution; Allon Raiz, CEO and Founder of Raizcorp; Shadrack Mthethwa, CEO and Founder of Isibonelo Property Services; and Nonku Ntshona – Founder and Managing Director of Nonku Ntshona & Associates Quantity Surveyors.

All the speakers provided valuable insights as they discussed topics relevant to entrepreneurs – from challenges facing entrepreneurs in South Africa, to securing funding, marketing your business and selecting business partners.

Angel Jones encouraged women to overcome mental barriers and to think like entrepreneurs.

She emphasised the importance of building your personal brand, even when working for an organisation, as people back a brand rather than a project or venture.

Allon Raiz highlighted that entrepreneurs need to stop relying on or waiting for government, and that it is the responsibility of individuals to come up with ideas that will work in the market.

He believes that South Africa shouldn’t even have a Small Business Ministry and that the private sector should be taking care of entrepreneurship. He challenged enterprising women to be better as acting as sponsors, opening networks and supporting other women coming through the system. Raiz believes it is important to seek mentors within organisations from the early stages of a career, as this can really open up doors.

The WPN hosts monthly events with different themes. The group has grown to become a bonding network of career-focused women that share advice, inspire and mentor young women to be successful in the trade industries. “I’m pleased that Profica has encouraged me to participate in an organisation like the WPN, as it provides valuable networking and support for me in an industry where there are few women,” says Rasodi.