Andiswa Ncamiso, the passionate owner of Little Conquerors Day Care in Milnerton, embarked on a transformative journey through Grow ECD’s Business Accelerator Training. Her story is one of overcoming self-doubt and finding the confidence and skills needed to run a successful ECD centre.
The Struggle Before the Training
Before joining the ECD Business Accelerator Training, Andiswa faced numerous challenges. “I felt depressed, faithless, blank, meaningless, and doubtful,” she shares. “I lacked the knowledge I needed to move forward. I questioned myself on everything. I didn’t know how to go about registering my ECD or how I could ensure that I delivered the best education so that I could make a difference in my community.”
She struggled with decisions about the curriculum and whether she was attracting her ideal customers. The uncertainties were overwhelming, leaving her feeling stuck and unsure of the next steps.
An Exciting First Session
The first session of the Accelerator Training was a turning point for Andiswa. “After the first session, I knew this was what I needed! The Accelerator Training changed my life immensely, I am so happy that I decided to sign up,” she exclaims. Each of the six sessions provided her with the confidence she had been searching for, answering the questions that had plagued her for so long.
Key Takeaways from the Training
Running a Sustainable Business
One of the most impactful lessons Andiswa learned was the importance of sustainability. “At the end of the day, my centre is a business that needs to generate income and profit,” she says. Understanding the financial aspects of running an ECD centre was crucial for her growth.
The Power of Administration
Another significant revelation was the role of administration in business success. “My business is as good as its administration. If you do not monitor your funds by recording your income and expenses, then you will never succeed,” Andiswa emphasises. Keeping accurate financial records became a priority, ensuring she knew whether her business was profitable or running at a loss.
Embracing Change and Moving Forward
Each week brought new insights and strategies that Andiswa eagerly implemented at Little Conquerors Day Care. “When the six weeks were done, I felt like a newborn baby, ready to take its huge first step,” she describes. With renewed excitement and confidence, she was prepared to start running a sustainable ECD business.
Changes at Little Conquerors Day Care
Andiswa proudly shares the changes she has made and is in the process of making since completing the training:
Financial Management: “I record all my finances on my Grow Giraffe App.”
Progress Monitoring: “I monitor the progress of all my staff and students using my Giraffe App.”
Safety Enhancements: “I’ll be adding fencing around my centre so that children do not have access to the road.”
Future Plans: “I am trying to get funding to build my dream ECD centre.”
Growth Ambitions: “I am saving towards purchasing and joining the Grow ECD Small Business Programme.”
Andiswa’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the power that knowledge, support, and the right tools have in taking the next step to reach your dreams.