Enterprise Development

At Cornastone Enterprise Systems, we believe in the power of relationships, because in business, nothing is more important than building solid connections with trusted advisors.

It’s for this very reason that Cornastone, as a responsible corporate citizen, recognises the importance of offering assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to ensure that they can compete effectively in our growing business landscape.

Our philosophy is to treat each client not as number one, but as the only one, and this is something that resonates in everything we do outside our business as well.

This is also in-line with the Department of Trade & Industry’s commitment to increase the number and variety of viable and sustainable economic enterprises.

But not every idea is viable and money is not unlimited, which is why it is equally important to make good decisions about which businesses to give a helping hand to.

For Cornastone, enterprise development is an investment in the future of South Africa so this is why we partnered with Technoserve, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on developing entrepreneurs, building businesses and industries, and improving the business environment.

With Technoserve’s expertise and know-how, we identified a SME with a great, viable idea, but lacking the necessary funding and support to accomplish its business goals.

The Lekatela Mmanare Co-Operative in Phedile Villiage, Lebotloane, Northwest Province, is a multi-purpose co-operative of 15 members, which grows, processes and markets essential oils – in particular Rose Geranium oil.

Thanks to the heavy involvement of Technoserve from a business mentoring perspective and Cornastone from a financial perspective, the Lekatela Mmanare Co-Operative was able to conclude a very successful pilot of testing which plants best suited the area where the co-operative was situated and begin operating as a proper business.

Funds from Cornastone were utilised to install much-needed fencing and irrigation systems, and continue to support the day-to-day operations of this innovative small enterprise.

Cornastone continues to support the Lekatela Mmanare Co-Operative with both financial contributions and business mentorship, and looks forward to its inevitable success.