Anchored by the PR and Stakeholder Engagement lead, Shonisani Munyai, small business owners were provided with insights on the multitude of opportunities available through the structured eco-systems.
The opening speaker, from the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), Sipho Shoyisa a senior economic specialist in international trade markets, outlined the opportunities in development around Gauteng where SMME’s would be welcome to participate as suppliers and partners. He highlighted the Western District.
Special Economic Zone currently at the early stages of development, in need of lower income housing, manufacturing partners, green energy and urban agriculture investment partners.
The SMME Chamber of Commerce president, Noah Debeila, echoed the need for small, micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s) to stand up and be counted, emphasizing that policies and trade routes were being opened up and all should be ready at all times for new opportunities. He encouraged compliance and collaboration in order to reach levels of sustainable scale.
Buhlebokukholwa Sibanyoni, launched the powerhouse of women actively engaging in community economic reform activations, with emphasis on scale and trade across multiple continental boarders. As the founder of Azanyah Trade Hub and activation partner in Southern Africa for the UAE and Ethiopia routes, she spoke to real opportunities in beef trade and fresh produce emphasizing the need to prepare for scale.
President of the National African Women in Mining & Energy (NAWIME), Bongiwe Headbush spoke to intentional leadership and actions towards improving community livelihood especially within the mining sector. Leading from the front, she clarified that all should take an ‘action first’ approach. Focusing the SMME’s towards daily targets and seeking excellence in service and production, as she advocates for policy changes that will pave the way for more inclusion.
In collaboration with specialised service providers, the SMME BottomLine, offers SMME middle management support skills ranging from financial bookkeeping, auditing, network activation, website design, business strategy, retail marketing, sales team development, HR compliance, tender proposal support and many more. TSB focuses on improving entrepreneurship growth and sustainability by the provision of compliance support resources while actively engaging communities.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the business owners, community leaders and institutional partners for their support, Grace Mohlomi, Head of Business Advisory Services @TSB.
info@gnk-consulting.co.za
