This article was written and supplied to CNBC Africa by Chivas
Photo: Chivas
Inspiring the development of small and medium-sized enterprises through innovation is the cornerstone of which, Tatiana Alves Pereira has established her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Tatiana Alves Pereira is the co-founder and Managing Partner of IdeiaLab, Lda, a social enterprise that operates as a business incubator, working with entrepreneurs to promote and drive development and the promotion of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in Mozambique.
As an incubator, IdeiaLab seeks to harness and accelerate the advancement of entrepreneurship thus strengthening Mozambique’s innovation ecosystem. This is at the heart of Alves Pereira’s philosophy. It is through this ideal, that seasoned business journalist, and Chivas, Win the Right Way, season 2 presenter, Gugulethu Cele, caught up with the vivacious Mozambique native over a glass of Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Whiskey.
“Entrepreneurship has the potential to be the solution to most of our challenges. In addition to creating and growing sustainable businesses, entrepreneurship is about having the courage to take the first step in making a difference,” says Alves Pereira.
IdeiaLab catalyses this potential for the people of Mozambique by providing business mentorship and assisting aspiring entrepreneurs with business models and guidance.
Chivas, Win the Right Way season 2 is a television series on CNBC Africa that follows on the success of the first season in featuring Africa’s most inspiring social entrepreneurs who run their businesses based on profit with purpose. These entrepreneurs use their shared success to inspire other African entrepreneurs to be part of this ever-growing movement.
Alves Pereira’s roots are entrenched in enriching herself to have a greater impact in her community.
However, this journey has had its share of challenges as Alves Pereira shares that in recent times she’s had to make the tough decision to shut down one of her business operations.
“This is the reality of every business undertaking, success delayed does not mean success denied and I’ve had to learn that in my journey. This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make because I knew that it would not only impact me, but also those around me. Every successful business is built on the virtue of perseverance.”
Alves Pereira has channelled this experience as the momentum to pilot her business to collaborate on bigger initiatives that will ultimately position her to have a greater impact on the entrepreneurship landscape of Mozambique.
The fundamental principles of social entrepreneurship are making the business attractive to investors. For Alves Pereira, it’s about underpinning IdeiaLab’s capacity as an enterprise that demonstrates the social needs of its environment.
“Success is only worth it, if you can share it! We look forward to being at the forefront of incubating a culture of entrepreneurial development, sustainability and innovation.”
Alves Pereira’s consistent endeavour towards incorporating the principles of innovation to galvanise the development of her community resonates with Chivas’ dictum of winning the right way.
