Delft’s Urban Waste Management (UWM) EPWP Entrepreneurship Trainee Programme is a city initiative in South Africa that provides entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and abilities through a series of training and development modules. This programme’s holistic approach combines practical mentorship with theoretical knowledge and helps city entrepreneurs realize their business objectives while contributing to job creation and revenue growth among participating businesses. Bonolo Holdings, a family enterprise, has seen considerable growth under the guidance of this city initiative, and its success is a testament to the programme’s effectiveness in supporting small businesses on their journey towards expansion and success.
Cape Town’s Business Hub is an institution that supports small businesses by offering free workshops, resources, and assistance in overcoming obstacles to growth. The Hub is a vital part of Cape Town’s economy, as it recognizes the important role that small businesses play in generating employment and introducing pioneering ideas. Through comprehensive support and additional resources like SmartCape services and free WiFi access, the Business Hub empowers entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship. Interested parties can register for workshops through the Invest Cape Town website or contact the Business Hub team directly for businessrelated inquiries.
Businesses in Cape Town are facing a significant increase in violent extortion, which has led to service disruptions and halted essential services, such as waste collection, in various communities. Small businesses like roadside meat vendors, barbershops, and spaza shops are left vulnerable to gangs who force them to pay exorbitant fees for alleged protection. The city is launching an antiextortion initiative to encourage more individuals to report such incidents, and security and law enforcement personnel have been dispatched in greater numbers to crucial hotspots. The aim is to crack down on the criminals responsible and ensure a sense of security and stability for citizens and businesses.
The Bellville Business Expo recently took place at the University of Stellenbosch Business School’s Bellville Park Campus, showcasing an array of small businesses from various sectors. The event was organized by the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, in partnership with the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP).
Cape Town is making strides towards becoming Africa’s premier business destination, with a substantial decrease in unemployment. The city’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, credits this achievement to maintaining the lowest unemployment rate across the metros. However, there is still work to be done to drive further economic growth, alleviate poverty, and create additional job opportunities.
The Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP) is an initiative designed to provide support to small businesses operating in rural and township areas of South Africa. The program focuses on designated groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities, offering them developmental support to improve their competitiveness and sustainability.
After a period of uncertainty, the construction project for the road between Molelema and Matsheng in Taung is finally set to resume. This project brings new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. ## Resolution of the Conflict
South Africa is currently facing an energy crisis that has led to extended power outages in the form of Stage 6 blackouts lasting for 810 hours a day. To make matters worse, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed that protocols for Stage 9 loadshedding and beyond are being finalized, a development the party describes as “nothing short of horrifying.”
The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has launched the annual #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge. The initiative aims to stimulate small businesses and/or ideas through skills development and innovation, contributing to job creation. ## New Challenge Categories Encourage Innovation
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming is transforming the food and beverage industry in Cape Town. Maltento, a local company, is leading the way in this emerging industry, which offers significant environmental benefits and boosts the local economy. ### The Benefits of Black Soldier Fly Farming
The City of Cape Town and the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) are set to host the 2023 Bellville Business Expo on Thursday, 8 June 2023, at the Bellville Park Campus at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. The expo is aimed at promoting economic growth in the Bellville business community.
Tourism is a crucial sector in Cape Town’s economy, with many small businesses relying on it for their livelihoods. The City of Cape Town recently organized a community conversation with Hout Bay tourism operators to support and strengthen the industry.
South Africa is currently facing a crisis of food price hikes that have caused widespread suffering among poor households. According to StatsSA, food prices have risen by 14% over the past year, resulting in millions of children and adults going hungry. This devastating crisis has prompted DA leader John Steenhuisen to urge President Ramaphosa and his cabinet to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the people of South Africa.