By: Staff Reporter
The Gauteng treasury is gearing up to upskill Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and assist them to gain access to markets.
The department said this week it would be embarking on a massive drive to train small business owners on how to access market opportunities in both the public and private sectors and build sustainable enterprises to support economic growth and job creation particular in townships.
“This initiative follows Finance and e-Government MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko’s engagements with women entrepreneurs in August. During these sessions gaps were identified which prevented particularly designated groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities from accessing opportunities in the public and private sector,” spokesperson Tshepo Shawa said.
He added that township based businesses faced many difficulties in accessing formal markets in general and these include government and corporate procurement opportunities.
“That is why the provincial government introduced the Township Economy Revitalisation Strategy to promote manufacturing and productive activities in local communities. More than 1000 small business owners are expected to participate in the upcoming virtual Supplier Development Masterclasses scheduled to take place on 28 September 2021 and 30 September 2021,” he said.
According to the department, The intensive five-hour sessions will be conducted in partnership with First National Bank.
“In addition to business management insights, small business owners attending these sessions will also be trained on how to benefit from the Local Content as part of the Preferential Procurement Framework Act. Furthermore, small business owners attending the training session will also be able to interact with Provincial Treasury officials and be assisted with queries related to the Central Supplier Database and e-Invoicing platform,” he said.
