Entrepreneurs should put registering their business ideas at the top of their priorities in order to turn them into companies, because only then will they be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the market, said Standard Bank's client manager, Lemos Mário, during the opening ceremony of the 23rd edition of the #iDeate virtual entrepreneurship stimulus program, promoted by the bank in partnership with ideiaLab.

According to Lemos Mário, the failure to register business ideas is one of the "mistakes" that entrepreneurs have made: "The first step towards materializing a business idea is to register it. In other words, turning it into a company, with all the necessary documentation (licenses, permits, etc.)."

In this regard, he also mentioned the need to open a bank account, which he believes is one of the main pillars for business development.

"A bank account isn't just for companies that have or handle a lot of money. We've noticed that many micro, small and medium-sized companies only go to a bank when they have a check to cash."

"As entrepreneurs, we can't look at it this way. The entire amount that is for initial investment must be deposited in an account, because the company will need to buy pens, printers, computers, among other equipment and materials," he stressed.

More than facilitating cash management, he added, the bank account allows for exhaustive control of the business.

Your movements ensure that there is a history, which is of interest not only to the bank, but also to potential investors, who will need to see your movements.

Regarding #iDeate, Mário said that the bank aims not only to stimulate entrepreneurship, but also to foster and encourage the development of innovative businesses in the country.

"Standard Bank believes that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are the engine of our economy. We can't talk about the country's development without talking about people, families, communities and society in general."

"Everyone's business idea is important for the country, and Standard Bank is here to provide them with additional tools to make it happen," he concluded.

For his part, the representative of ideiaLab, Manuel Rego, urged participants to abandon the idea that "being an entrepreneur means having, for example, a computer, a logo or a web page".

"Entrepreneurship or being an entrepreneur is about creating solutions to people's or communities' real problems. That's why it's important to get to know them and interact with them so that we can create something that responds to their needs. That means going out into the street," he said.

It should be noted that the training, which coincides with the celebration of International Entrepreneurship Week, is attended by entrepreneurs and aspirants from all over the country.

In addition to the training, participants benefit from tailor-made business consultancy sessions, exposure to market and financing opportunities, access to a variety of business support services and content from partners and industry experts.