City-supported Business Development initiatives fuel the expansion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Cape Town
In the heart of Cape Town, the 10th Annual Smart Supplier Programme and SMME Showcase was recently hosted by the City, attracting a vibrant gathering of 50 local businesses showcasing their offerings. Alderman James Vos, alongside members from The Business Hub (City of Cape Town) and SmartProcurement teams, addressed the businesses, emphasising the central role of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in economic innovation and resilience.
The High Impact Supplier Development Programme, a key initiative of the City, aims to improve the capabilities and market access of local SMMEs. Over five intensive days, 25 diverse enterprises from industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive services undergo an immersive, practical, and tailored workshop.
The programme equips entrepreneurs with essential skills, fostering long-term business growth. Practical skills training focuses on managing money, growing sales pipelines, diversifying products, and adapting to market changes. Modern management philosophies emphasising efficiency, adaptability, waste elimination, and optimising operations under real-world constraints are also incorporated.
Financial acumen development is another critical aspect of the programme. Sessions focus on pricing strategies and cash flow management, providing participants with tools to make their businesses more resilient to economic fluctuations. Peer learning and tailored guidance allow for the exchange of perspectives and direct feedback tailored to industry-specific challenges, boosting entrepreneurial confidence and practical knowledge application.
By strengthening business fundamentals and competitiveness, the programme helps local SMMEs sharpen their competitive edge, increasing their chances to win contracts and grow their market presence. Success stories such as a construction firm increasing its workforce tenfold and significantly growing revenue demonstrate the programme’s impact on not just skills but also confidence and mindset shifts among participants.
One such company that has benefited from the programme is Saxonburg Fleet Maintenance, which reported improvements in financial planning and strategic growth. Alderman Vos visited several participating companies, including JBS Building Company, Gordian Fence SA, and Lion Industries, to witness firsthand the transformative effects of the programme.
The City's Economic Growth Directorate is a strong supporter of enterprise development programmes, and the High Impact Supplier Development Programme is a testament to their commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy. For more information, interested parties can contact The Business Hub team at +27 21 417 4043 or email [email protected].
Small businesses in Cape Town's construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries are taking advantage of the High Impact Supplier Development Programme, which focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with necessary business skills for long-term growth. Financial acumen development, including pricing strategies and cash flow management, is crucial for making businesses more resilient to economic fluctuations. The immersive workshop covers essential skills like managing money, growing sales pipelines, diversifying products, and adapting to market changes. This programme equips entrepreneurs with the tools to sharpen their competitive edge, potentially winning contracts and expanding market presence, as demonstrated by the success story of a construction firm quadrupling its workforce and boosting revenue. Alderman Vos, a supporter of enterprise development programmes, visited several participating companies, including Saxonburg Fleet Maintenance, JBS Building Company, Gordian Fence SA, and Lion Industries, to witness the programme's transformative effects. For more information, interested businesses can contact The Business Hub team at +27 21 417 4043 or email [email protected]. Innovative small businesses play a vital role in the city's economy's resilience and growth, thereby strengthening the entire business, construction, finance, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship industries.
