Small Business Development & ESD Archives - Page 4 of 18

KZN SMEs gear up for global markets with new export readiness programme

Small Business Development & ESD, SME showcase / Chris Buchanan

In a strategic move that could redefine economic growth in KwaZulu‑Natal, Standard Bank and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) have launched a pioneering Export Readiness Programme tailored specifically for SMEs based in the province. By Cape Business News From 30 June to 9 July 2025, ambitious SMEs have a golden opportunity […]

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Woolworths scales up support for SA entrepreneurs

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Retail powerhouse Woolworths is stepping up its drive to boost South African entrepreneurs, announcing an expansion of its Local Supplier Programme to help more small businesses break into the mainstream retail market. By Times Live The initiative, which has already brought hundreds of locally made products to Woolworths shelves, focuses on helping emerging entrepreneurs grow

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Pick n Pay doubles down on SMME commitment

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Retail giant Pick n Pay has reaffirmed its commitment to South African SMMEs, pledging to continue creating opportunities for small suppliers to thrive within its value chain. By BizCommunity With over 4,000 local SMMEs already supplying its stores nationwide, Pick n Pay’s supplier development programme focuses on empowering emerging businesses through mentorship, shelf space, and

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Beyond the B-BBEE scorecard: Real transformation demands bold action

Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

South African businesses can no longer afford to treat Employment Equity as a box-ticking exercise. A recent spotlight on transformation highlights the urgent need for organisations to move beyond symbolic compliance with B-BBEE regulations and instead embrace meaningful, measurable change in their leadership, culture, and hiring practices. By Suran Moodley & Boudine Henningse – BizCommunity

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BLSA warns: R100bn transformation fund lacks strategy & risks elite capture

Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has issued a strong critique of the government’s proposed R100 billion Transformation Fund, warning that as currently structured, it risks becoming financially unviable, poorly governed—and hostile to economic growth. By Busisiwe Mavuso – Politics Web ⚠️ Key Concerns from BLSA’s Submission 🚀 BLSA’s Proposal for a Better Fund 👥 Why

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Why corporates must build SME skills

Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Corporate South Africa must play a more active role in developing SME skills if the country is to reduce unemployment and build a sustainable economy, argues Daniel Orelowitz, Managing Director of Training Force, in a recent Engineering News article. By Daniel Orelowitz – Engineering News While SMEs contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation,

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Growth needs inclusion

Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Transformation is not a barrier to growth—it’s a catalyst for it. That’s the message from Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), as the country navigates a fragile economy and shifting political landscape. By Business Day Speaking at a recent business forum, Mavuso stressed that inclusive economic transformation is essential to unlocking South

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Transformation Fund valuable but not a silver bullet, Says Godlimpi

Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi has reaffirmed the importance of the Transformation Investment Portfolio Fund, while acknowledging its limitations in achieving broad-based empowerment across South Africa’s economy. By Terence Creamer – Engineering News Speaking at a recent policy dialogue, Godlimpi described the fund—launched by the dtic, IDC, and NEF—as a “powerful tool

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Gqeberha Chamber ignites local economy with youth entrepreneurship drive

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has launched a bold new entrepreneurship programme aimed at empowering the next generation of business leaders in Gqeberha. With a focus on innovation, mentorship, and real-world business skills, the initiative is designed to ignite youth-led economic growth and tackle rising unemployment in the region. By Andisa Bonani – The

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World Bank, IMF critique misses the mark on SA’s transformation

Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Are Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies holding South Africa back—or is this a convenient narrative that overlooks deeper systemic issues? A recent article sparked debate after reports surfaced claiming that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) view BEE as a constraint on growth and investment in South Africa. But a closer look reveals

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