Support from Corporate South Africa led to business growth from small beginnings
The financial support received from Corporate South Africa, through The Hope Factory, enabled Buyile to acquire the needed tools and skills. “This has been one of the biggest contributions to my business success. Every time I acquire new skills or tools, I see my business grow”.
Buyile Mtimkulu was a young man when he told himself “One day I want to be a business man, doing something with my hands”.
He remembers growing-up, not having enough money in the house even though his parents worked. “I thought to myself, one day I want to be able to provide for my children the things they need and want. My daughter is the motivation behind my business; it is because of her that I want to make things happen in my business” explains Buyile.
Buyile says that being an entrepreneur is tough, but it helps him to grow as a person. His business Busko Rim Repairs started in 2012 from his garage, doing rim repairs – just painting. With his savings he managed to buy a 25 litre compressor, but he did not have a lot of experience then. “My first customer was not very happy and I told myself that this should never happen again” says Busko.
Some of his biggest start-up challenges were the lack of skill and equipment needed to run a successful rim repair business. He shares that the financial support received from Corporate South Africa, through The Hope Factory, enabled him to acquire the needed tools and skills. “This has been one of the biggest contributions to my business success. Every time I acquire new skills or tools, I see my business grow”.
It was in 2014 that Buyile joined The Hope Factory Mentorship Programme. “I registered my business that year and it is where things really started to happen for me. I learned how to keep good financial records, which helped me to receive financial support from the NYDA. I was able to expand my service offering once again”.
In 2015 he moved from operating his business at home from his garage into the Industrial Area in Port Elizabeth. He now employs five young men from his community on a full-time basis. “Everything has changed for me”, he says. “Recently I bought a car, because I am now drawing a salary. My business is profitable and I can put money back into the business. The Hope Factory has taught me how to manage my staff well, and mentoring remains a source of strength for me”. His employees are all young, and he believes that if he can change things for the five of them, they could change the lives of another five.
The Hope Factory has helped him through all the different stages of his business and he now knows how to run his business and be disciplined. “My business mentor keeps me motivated because I know The Hope Factory believe in me. It helps me to keep going”, states Buyile.
Buyile indicates that “My challenge is to remain better as my competitors”. It is his dream now to open a second branch in East London, as he already services customers from East London who comes to Port Elizabeth to receive his service.
“I hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of the young people in my community and beyond”, proclaims Buyile.
