Small businesses face numerous challenges in today’s world, but Cape Town’s Smart Supplier Programme provides a beacon of hope. The programme aims to nurture small businesses and contribute to the city’s economic growth. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, recently joined small business leaders to celebrate their participation in the seventh edition of the programme, a collaboration between the City and Smart Procurement World.
Equipping Small Businesses with Knowledge and Skills
The Smart Supplier Programme enrols 150 vendors in its first phase and addresses various aspects of business development. From this pool, 40 vendors are selected and granted access to markets, buyers, and new opportunities. The programme aims to equip small businesses with knowledge and skills to overcome obstacles that could hinder their growth.
Private Sector Collaboration Vital for Economic Growth
Alderman Vos stressed the importance of small businesses in economic growth, innovation, and job creation. He urged the private sector to enhance its efforts to collaborate with small businesses to unlock vast potential for procuring opportunities. The private sector spends three times more on procurement than the public sector, making collaboration vital for economic growth.
Supporting Entrepreneurs for Business Growth
Cape Town’s economic prosperity depends on its citizens, with small business owners forming crucial links in the city’s economic chain. The Smart Supplier Programme serves as a platform for big businesses to engage with small businesses and stakeholders regarding procurement requirements and identified constraints. The programme is part of the City’s broader efforts to support entrepreneurs by providing the necessary resources to expand their businesses.
Business Helpdesk Offers Workshops and Online Training
The Business Helpdesk organises several workshops, including the weekly Supplier Matters Day. It also runs a skills development platform for the building industry that offers monthly construction training workshops for contractors. For those unable to attend in-person workshops, the helpdesk offers online training. Alderman Vos highlighted Cape Town’s drive to become Africa’s most business-friendly city, citing the 279,000 new jobs created in the past year as evidence of their progress.
Registering for Development Programs
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in development programs can register on the Invest Cape Town website. Free Wi-Fi access is available in 100 City-run buildings and public libraries, where SmartCape services are available for data-free access to virtual sessions. The Business Hub team is also reachable via email or phone for business-related inquiries.
Fostering Growth and Sustainable Development
The Smart Supplier Programme is an essential resource for Cape Town’s small businesses, fostering their growth and contributing to the city’s economic vitality. By empowering these entrepreneurs to succeed, the programme enhances the city’s economy, promotes innovation, job creation, and sustainable development while strengthening the links in Cape Town’s economic chain.
