The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul visited Carnarvon on Wednesday to promote economic growth and the development of informal small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives.
THE MINISTER of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul visited Carnarvon on Wednesday to promote economic growth and the development of informal small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives.
Equipment valued at about R500,000 was also handed over to 44 beneficiaries.
Saul pledged an additional R10,000 to each of the small businesses.
Ndabeni-Abrahams also visited Springbok and will also go to De Aar, Douglas, Phokwane and then Sol Plaatje Municipality, while a similar programme was also launched in Hopetown.
Department of Small Business Development spokesperson Noko Manyelo said incorporating the informal economy into the mainstream would reduce the vulnerability and exclusion of those working in this sector.
“The SMME sector has been identified as critical in addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality,” said Manyelo. “The intention of the programme is to create an environment that supports sustainable economic growth in the informal economy.”
He added that qualifying entrepreneurs would be provided with basic business management training followed by a 100 percent grant for the acquisition of basic equipment and tools to the value of up to R80,000.
“The objective of the programme is to provide developmental support to informal and micro-businesses that are owned by historically disadvantaged individuals in townships and rural areas of the Northern Cape.”
Manyelo stated that they would provide support to develop and strengthen the capacity of credible informal and/or micro-enterprises through the provision of access to information, business development support services, including skills and mentorship, business infrastructure, machinery, tools, equipment, conversions, networks and working capital.”
