When the industry you’re operating in doesn’t offer the services you require, what do you do? Andiswa Silinga and Tankiso Phidza didn’t wait for another entrepreneur to offer them the services; they made a bold move and started their own business. Gemini GIS and Environmental Services opened its doors six years ago offering environmental services and geographical information systems. Their clientele include mining and construction companies and local government. Previously, Silinga and Phidza had full time jobs in the mining and the power industry respectively. “We saw a gap in the market to offer the mining and construction industries assistance with environmental regulation compliance and to be able to identify what their risks are, so that they can maintain production,” says Silinga.

The duo applied to join The Hope Factory’s mentorship programme and was accepted one year ago. Puseletso Modimogale, who was recently selected as one of South Africa’s young entrepreneurs, is their business mentor and is helping them achieve their business goals and milestones.  “We learn new things every day. In Puso we have someone who has a different view about our business who helps steer us in a different direction. Since joining The Hope Factory, we’ve seen growth in our business,” says Silinga. Silinga explains the advantage and disadvantages of running a business. “A positive is that you are in control of the strategies that will generate revenue for the company. You can also determine the sectors that you want to peruse so that you can reach your business goals. A disadvantage is that sometimes clients do not pay on time which can lead to cash flow problems and therefore being unable to take on certain new projects because of a lack of working capital.”

However, she advises young and up-coming entrepreneurs not to give up, to be passionate, persistent, to have patience and to remain innovative on their journey. The company is working hard to reach more clients. It’s advertising its services in magazines that reach a larger community of business and government sectors and has registered on various client databases to access more customers. Networking sessions are also an important factor for this duo. GGES is applying changes as they go-along. Silinga explains: “The future of our business is to grow from small to medium.  We are looking at diversifying our services so that we can improve our cash flow. We engaged in research on the technology that we will use to be able to service and expand our client base.”

These partners are aiming to conquer the business world; their fighting spirit is drawn from people they look up to. The inspiration does not come from just one or two people, but from many successful business people who have persevered and did not give up when the going got tough.