The Western Cape is one of the most entrepreneurially dynamic provinces in the country, but still contributes just 14.4% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), partly due to the lack of entrepreneurial education and infrastructure in the region.

South Africa’s Further Education and Training (FET) system is better placed than ever to put state funds to good use and accelerate the delivery of critical middle-level skills – especially artisans – into the economy.

Facing managerial responsibility for the first time can be a very daunting experience. The demands placed on individuals assuming any managerial or supervisory roles are tremendous.

Dr John Demartini, human behavioural specialist, educator and author will address the 5 S’s of Leadership and show you how they translate into business growth and increased productivity.

It is far easier to destroy an idea than to encourage it and turn it into a useful solution. Be careful not to kill people's ideas or they will stop telling you about them and tell someone else. It’s extremely hard to sound constructive when someone tells you about an idea they’ve had, especially if the idea seems imprudent and unworkable.

Working from home can make you bitchy and stressed if you do not set boundaries. Yes, I said the “B” word. In use since 1400, this term has frequently been used as a derogatory term for women, meaning they are malicious, domineering, intrusive or unpleasant.

Practical Marketing recently interviewed Vinny Lingham - Founder and CEO of Yola (free website maker). Vinny has been recognized as a high-impact entrepreneur by Endeavour Global and was the 2006 Top Young IT Entrepreneur.

Coaching is a profound leadership mindset, but you have to believe in it first. Andrew Wood explains the big picture as follows: “Leadership is not a right of passage, or at least it shouldn't be.

There are many entrepreneurs among us, but few manage to convert their original ideas into business success. Often, this is only due to a lack of research and a systematic approach to the market.

Remember that wild dive bomb you did as a kid drenching everyone around you, stinging your skin and making you delirious with excitement?

Women in Finance is a non-profit, national organisation promoting women within in business, and assisting in the empowerment of women in the broader market with regards to financial literacy and finances.

Several years ago, I undertook to interview a whole bunch of employees to ensure that they were in fact working the correct positions. You see, over the years, things had become discombobulated and people were given work to do just so that they could put food on the table and often others were moved into other positions to accommodate them.

Times may be tough, but let us not lose sight of the achievements and successes that women in business have achieved. Its awe inspiring when you look at the obstacles we, as South Africans, have overcome and the equality we have embraced.

Many of us dream about being our own boss – we would like to call the shots, not have to apply for leave when we feel like taking a break or having to cram errands into one-hour lunches. Yet despite the allure of perceived freedom, lurks the heavy weight of responsibility.

Strategies to help entrepreneurs succeed. Passion - for a product or service or for more control over their life - inspires entrepreneurs to start ventures. Passion is very motivating. It can also blind you to the realities of running a successful business.