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Wendy Fisher, 31
Owner, Strategic EDGE Solutions
An economist, strategist and facilitator of public-private partnerships, sustainability
is at the heart of all Wendy Fisher does. Her company, Strategic EDGE Solutions, is a
scenario planning and economic development consultancy providing partnership
and process facilitation, and strategy development. “My vision is to increase regional
economic growth and development to improve the wellbeing of all citizens,” says
Fisher, who left the Development Bank of South Africa to start her business in early
2012. “EDGE is an acronym for Economic Development, Governance and Education
– the keys to realizing my company’s vision.” Fisher has brought together various
renewable energy role players to establish the provincial RE Forum, which facilitates
networking and advocates collaboration to position the Eastern Cape as a renewable
energy hub. “Many people have predetermined perceptions of young women
in business, particularly in the male-dominated fields of economics and finance,”
says Fisher. “This motivates me to work even harder to prove my knowledge, insights
and value over time.”
Zolani Wolela, 28
Co-owner and managing member, Nzoe Projects
Zolani Wolela is the proud co-owner and managing member of Nzoe Projects, a
building maintenance and construction company. Almost two years in business,
and Wolela is working towards making the difference he always intended. “I am privileged
to act as a mentor to a number of people, one of them a young company employees
who I encouraged to go back to school. The others are from previously disadvantaged
backgrounds and are studying at NMMU.” As a young business owner,
Wolela has encountered – and overcome – a number of obstacles. “It is important in
the first few years of business to ensure that the company has the financial resources
to secure a project and see it through,” he says. “I’ve also invested a lot in human
resources and building strong client relationships.” Wolela serves the Black Management
Forum Nelson Mandela Bay as the Events and Projects Manager. He is proud to
be involved in enterprise development where he is being mentored on how to run a
successful business. “Young businesspeople should commit to improving the socioeconomic
activities of the Eastern Cape, and this can only be achieved by forming
sustainable and prosperous companies.”