The reason for joining the GEAP Programme was to become an exporter of my products.

Little did I realise how different the entire programme would be in the sense that besides learning all the fundamentals of exporting, I made amazing friends and partnerships along the way and not to forget my amazing mentor.

The past 3 months have assisted me in gaining valuable knowledge with regards to my business in areas such as:

• HS codes – Even though we have HS codes for our products, I needed to clarify if it was correct. This has been done.
• Critical Thinking – Even though I was practising critical thinking all along, I did not instill this practise with the staff – This is now done on a regular basis.
• Practising Emotional Intelligence with staff, so they can use this effectively – Done
• Understanding of the different Incoterms
• Our valuable introduction to the FNB team
• Strategic Planning – Even though this was being done, There was more to add

During the time of the GEAP programme, these are some of the challenges / highlights that I was/am facing are as follows:

• Importing a Coating Line from India – getting finance (not sorted as yet) etc for the new machine
• Purchased a factory
• Moving to the factory
• I also purchased part of a new business which will add value to my current business in that the new business manufactures one of my current raw materials.
• I employed 4 new staff members
• Once the new coating line is installed and manufacturing, I will be 100% locally manufacturing
• Cashflow
• Export Exhibition to Angola
• Going to Mauritius next month to Exhibit

Thank you so much for the valuable input from Shan, Shari and team