Expanding Economic Development Projects Sponsored by the City Contribute to Small-Medium Enterprise Growth in Cape Town
The City of Cape Town's High Impact Supplier Development Programme is making a significant difference in the lives of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) across various industries. This five-day, hands-on workshop, designed for 25 selected SMMEs, is geared towards sharpening business strategies and operational capacity [1].
The programme, which culminated in the 10th Annual Smart Supplier Programme and SMME Showcase, has resulted in substantial growth for some businesses. For instance, Suku Nikezela, a Blackheath-based construction firm, saw its turnover grow from under R5 million to over R20 million and expanded its team from five to over 50 employees [2]. Saxonburg Fleet Maintenance, based in Blackheath, also reported improvements in financial planning and strategic growth [3].
The events included the High Impact Supplier Development Programme and the SMME Showcase, where 50 local businesses presented their offerings. These participating SMMEs spanned various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive services [4].
Alderman James Vos, the Mayor of Cape Town, addressed the businesses at the SMME Showcase, emphasising the central role SMMEs play in economic innovation and resilience [6]. He also visited JBS Building Company in Heathfield, Gordian Fence SA in Kuils River, and Lion Industries in Parow [7].
The City's Economic Growth Directorate supports enterprise development programmes, aiming to equip SMMEs with the skills and tools necessary to improve their business operations and strategies [8]. CEO Carl Cupido of Suku Nikezela credits the programme with helping him think like an entrepreneur [5].
The programme focuses on enhancing business strategy, operational capacity, sales pipeline, product diversification, operational efficiency, pricing strategies, financial management, waste reduction, and market linkages [9]. For more information on these programmes, the Business Hub team can be contacted at +27 21 417 4043 or email [email protected].
[1] City of Cape Town. (n.d.). High Impact Supplier Development Programme. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/city-services/business-support-and-entrepreneurship/high-impact-supplier-development-programme/Pages/default.aspx
[2] City of Cape Town. (2021, September 21). Construction firm's growth journey showcased at SMME event. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/news/articles/2021-09-21-construction-firms-growth-journey-showcased-at-smme-event
[3] City of Cape Town. (2021, September 21). Fleet maintenance company's growth journey showcased at SMME event. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/news/articles/2021-09-21-fleet-maintenance-companys-growth-journey-showcased-at-smme-event
[4] City of Cape Town. (2021, September 21). SMME Showcase 2021. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/city-services/business-support-and-entrepreneurship/high-impact-supplier-development-programme/Pages/default.aspx
[5] Suku Nikezela. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://sukunikezela.co.za/about-us/
[6] City of Cape Town. (2021, September 21). SMME Showcase 2021. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/city-services/business-support-and-entrepreneurship/high-impact-supplier-development-programme/Pages/default.aspx
[7] City of Cape Town. (2021, September 21). Mayor Vos visits SMMEs as part of City-supported events. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/news/articles/2021-09-21-mayor-vos-visits-smmes-as-part-of-city-supported-events
[8] City of Cape Town. (n.d.). Enterprise Development Programmes. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/city-services/business-support-and-entrepreneurship/Pages/default.aspx
[9] City of Cape Town. (n.d.). High Impact Supplier Development Programme. Retrieved from https://www.capetown.gov.za/city-services/business-support-and-entrepreneurship/high-impact-supplier-development-programme/Pages/default.aspx
- The High Impact Supplier Development Programme, which supports various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive services, focuses on enhancing business strategies, financial management, and market linkages.
- Saxonburg Fleet Maintenance, based in Blackheath, reported improvements in financial planning and strategic growth after participating in the High Impact Supplier Development Programme.
- The City's Economic Growth Directorate aims to equip Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the sports industry, like JBS Building Company in Heathfield and Lion Industries in Parow, with the necessary skills and tools for improved business operations and strategies.
