Empowering Small Businesses with Cape Town's Smart Supplier Programme - Cape Town Today

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.

Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Powered by Cookieyes logo

Empowering Small Businesses with Cape Town’s Smart Supplier Programme

by
1 min read
s m

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.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

w h
Previous Story

Public Service Commission Takes Action to Protect Whistleblowers in South Africa

s o
Next Story

President Ramaphosa’s Upholding of Due Process in Adv. Mkhwebane’s Suspension

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

ashley oosthuizen thailand drug laws

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.