small business development inclusive economic growth

South Africa’s Small Business Renaissance: Minister Stella Ndabeni’s Roadmap for Inclusive Economic Growth

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Minister Stella Ndabeni has launched a powerful plan to help small businesses all across South Africa grow and thrive. With nearly R3 billion set aside, her roadmap supports over a million micro, small, and medium enterprises through funding, training, and new technology access. She wants to break down old barriers that kept many entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, from succeeding. By investing in skills, assets, and digital tools, the plan lights a bright path for local makers and dreamers to build stronger communities and a fairer economy for everyone.

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Navigating a Landmark Week: South Africa’s Parliament at the Confluence of Local Action and Global Influence

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In a busy week in July 2025, South Africa’s Parliament worked hard on important domestic issues like helping small businesses grow and fixing Eskom’s debt problems. At the same time, South Africa took the lead on the world stage by hosting the G20 and P20 summits, giving Africa a stronger voice in global decisions. Lawmakers also spent time meeting with their communities and carefully reviewing laws on land reform, education, and public infrastructure. This week showed South Africa’s strong commitment to democracy, balancing local needs with global influence and hope for a better future.

small business development economic empowerment

Empowering Small Enterprises in South Africa’s Northern Cape

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In the Northern Cape of South Africa, the government is helping small businesses grow and thrive. The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is connecting with local entrepreneurs by providing training, funding, and support. This initiative will bring life back to the economy in this beautiful region, known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. The upcoming visit from the Portfolio Committee will allow them to see firsthand how small businesses, from farms to creative studios, are shaping a brighter future for their communities. Through collaboration and understanding, they aim to empower these businesses, ensuring their success contributes to a stronger economy for all.

entrepreneurship small business

Rising Star of Local Entrepreneurship: A Profiling

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Zulfah Hartley, founder of Auburn Botanicals, has become a rising star in local entrepreneurship with a natural health and beauty business that offers relief to women aged 30 and over from menopausal symptoms. Auburn Botanicals gained momentum through the City’s Urban Waste Management Expanded Public Works Programme, which provides budding entrepreneurs with experience, mentorship, and peer advice. Hartley’s vision for Auburn Botanicals includes broadening her product line and stepping into wellness services such as massages.

local economy small business

Empowering Local Enterprises: Cape Town’s Economic Commitment

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Cape Town is empowering local businesses through initiatives like the Khayelitsha Local Economy Symposium, which offered entrepreneurs a platform for networking and knowledge exchange. The city provides support systems such as the Site C Business Forum and the City’s Business Hub to help entrepreneurs thrive, and the Youth in Business program equips young entrepreneurs with technical and business skills. Cape Town aims to cultivate a sustainable and inclusive economy that benefits all residents of the city, not just businesses.

entrepreneurship small business

A Vibrant City Nurturing Entrepreneurial Growth through the Smart Supplier Programme

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Cape Town is helping small and mediumsized enterprises (SMMEs) thrive through its Smart Supplier Programme. The initiative connects SMMEs with potential clients and provides workshops to equip them with the skills necessary to overcome business obstacles and establish collaborations. With a focus on networking, the programme aims to link SMMEs with clients nationally and continentally, yielding business prospects worth an estimated R20 million.

economic growth business development

A New Chapter in Cape Town’s Economic Success

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The Business Retention and Expansion unit in Cape Town is transforming the city’s industrial landscape by placing businesses at the core of its strategy. Through proactive action teams, the unit leverages the power of multiple city departments to enhance economic resilience, promote energy security, alternative energy solutions, and transport infrastructure. The unit’s initiatives have yielded tangible results, such as prospering businesses, dynamic city districts, and a thriving economy. Through partnerships and proactive initiatives, Cape Town continues to attract investment and job creation, ensuring ongoing economic stability for the entire city.

cannabis hemp

Unleashing Opportunities: A Closer Look at the Cannabis and Hemp Sectors

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The cannabis and hemp sectors in South Africa have enormous potential for economic growth and prosperity. However, smallscale businesses face significant challenges in securing financial aid and competing against large corporations. The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development and SAHPRA are working to implement measures to create a favorable environment for smallscale cultivators to thrive. With collective effort, the cannabis and hemp sectors can make a substantial contribution to South Africa’s economy, and it’s important for citizens to advocate for change.

franchising small business development Cape Town

Strengthening South Africa’s Franchising Sector: Insights from Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

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South Africa’s Minister of Small Business Development, Stella NdabeniAbrahams, spoke at the Franchise Association of South Africa conference, highlighting the importance of collaboration between FASA and her department to promote small business growth through franchising. She also emphasized education and training to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship in South Africa, celebrating the nation’s diverse cultural heritage. The conference provided valuable insights, networking opportunities, and showcased the government’s commitment to strengthening the franchising sector.