Media Release: New SMME support platform will give entrepreneurs a digital boost | Western Cape Government

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Media Release: New SMME support platform will give entrepreneurs a digital boost

28 May 2018

A new tool that will help small businesses become more digitally savvy is set to be released by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism later this year.

 

The SMME support platform will be a mobile-friendly site that allows small business to see and connect with support services ranging from mentors to funding institutions.

 

The department this week started a series of roadshows to brief organisations involved in SMME development and support about the platform. The first roadshow was held in Woodstock this morning and five more are planned for the five remaining districts in the Western Cape over the course of June. Apart from mapping small business support services, this entrepreneur platform will include a range of features and content to cater for the various business needs of start-ups.

 

These will include a business self-assessment to identify what aspects of the business need attention, a range of downloadable tools, and access to business content from a range of partners.

 

Research into the South African SMME landscape has shown that small businesses are not investing in technology and lack awareness and understanding of the benefits of digital adoption. Studies into digital uptake in the Western Cape have revealed that businesses in the province are not fully embracing the opportunities provided by digital technologies that could make them more competitive in national and global markets.

 

The Western Cape is currently home to around 230 000 SMMEs, with about 110 000 of these operating in the formal market.

 

Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde said: “Small businesses play a huge role in the development of our economy, and in driving employment in our province. This new platform will put the whole support system for entrepreneurs into the palms of their hands, making it easier for them to innovate and grow.”

 

“The digital economy is disrupting traditional ways of doing things, and provides new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. We want them to be aware of the kinds of technologies that exist, and how best to use these tools to build their businesses.”

 

He said the platform would have ongoing practical value for a wide range of users, including small business owners, mentors, funders, SMME support organisations, business chambers and economic development officials in local government and procurement decision makers.

 

“This platform will give us, and the many organisations actively working to support entrepreneurs, a better way of linking SMMEs to resources, and to opportunities. For example, when a new school or clinic is built, the positive ‘sub-contract ripple’ can be harnessed for the benefit of SMMEs in the area by making the project and opportunities visible on this platform,” Minister Winde said.

 

Business associations, chambers, mentors, funders and SMME support agencies wanting to attend the briefings can RSVP to Cheryl-anne.kannemeyer@tractionprojects.co.za or (021) 418-4596.

 

The schedule of roadshows is as follows:

 

 

 

TOWN

 

 

DATE / TIME

 

VENUE

 

 

 

Cape Winelands

4/06/18. 08h30-10h00

Kaleidoscope, 126 Church Street, Worcester

Overberg

5/06/18. 08h30-10h00

Town Hall, 19 Church Street, Caledon

Mossel Bay

6/06/18. 08h30-10h00

The George Town Hall, 71 York Street, George

Central Karoo

7/06/18. 08h30-10h00

The Showroom, 41 Church Street, Prince Albert

West Coast

22/06/18

TBC

     

 

 

 

 

Media Enquiries: 

Bianca Capazorio

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Opportunities

Tel: 021 483 3550

Cell: 072 372 7044

Email: Bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za