In a bid to stimulate local economic growth, the Nelson Mandela Metro has held a Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises summit in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The summit was looking at empowering local small businesses by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and government stakeholders.
Over 350 entrepreneurs gathered to learn about how to access government support, create jobs, and grow their businesses.
Experts shared tips on successfully applying for grants.
MMC for Economic Development, Bassie Kamana says this summit will help small businesses thrive.
“We need to assist our people so that these monies can be used … As the government we have to make sure that our people are not going to have black Christmas particularly the African working class because it is them that are suffering the most. Different stakeholders are also here to show small business on how to do applications,” says Kamana.
Female business ownership statistics in the municipality showed a promising trend. According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, a notable 54% of their registered SMME and Entrepreneurship Desk members represent women-run businesses.
Business Owner, Bulie Ngomani, who has been an entrepreneur for 10 years, says funding for female-owned businesses is needed.
“We need that support. We are competing with businesses that are already established and are owned by men especially in sectors like mining (and the) creative industry. So, these are dominated by men. So, it’s time we take advantages of these summits, so we also prosper as women, also take advantage of whatever programs government has to grow us and trickle down to the local economy,” says Ngomani.
An entrepreneur from Motherwell township, Luxolo Khanti, says he is eager to tap into available funding opportunities.
“I’ve just started my tourism business and of course, capital is important, and I think government came through in regard to essentials such as website development. I know that EDTA has assistance such in the past. So, I am expecting the same kind of help (for) my new tourism business as well,” says Khanti.
The Nelson Mandela Bay says it will continue to support SMMEs in the Bay as they are the backbone of growing economic development and creating employment.
