Enterprise and Supplier Development Archives - Page 2 of 6

Celebrating African women in artisanry and craftsmanship

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

The 2023 Handmade Contemporary Fair recognises African women artisans and their contribution to the luxury economy Africa’s premier artisanal luxury fair, the upcoming Handmade Contemporary Fair (HmC Fair), is taking place from 1-3 September at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. With over 90% of the 100 artisans displaying their craftsmanship and design being women and the […]

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Empowering entrepreneurs towards investment-readiness

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

There is no shortage of investors with a strong desire to invest in innovative products and services – the challenge is finding and partnering with businesses that are investor ready. According to the University of the Western Cape, South Africa has a small business start-up failure rate of between 70 and 80%. A report by

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Are SA’s green entrepreneurs ready for the green hydrogen economy?

Environment, Thought Leadership / Chris Buchanan

Green hydrogen has been heralded as the key to meeting South Africa’s decarbonisation targets and finally leading the country away from its dependence on fossil fuels for energy. By Billy Bokako – Senior Manager: CICSA However, the country continues to lag significantly behind international counterparts in making the transition. Green investment Developing and integrating green

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The importance of ‘Township Economies’

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

‘Township economy’ refers to enterprises and markets based in the townships. These are enterprises operated by township entrepreneurs to meet primarily the needs of township communities and therefore can be understood a ‘township enterprises’ as distinguished from those operated by entrepreneurs outside the townships. How big is the township economy? An estimated 17% of South Africa’s

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Africa Month: Unlocking Opportunities for African Businesses

Small Business Development & ESD, Thought Leadership / Chris Buchanan

Africa Month is a time to celebrate and recognise the achievements and contributions of the African continent. One area where Africa has tremendous potential is in business and entrepreneurship. However, many African businesses face challenges accessing the capital they need to grow and expand. Debt financing can be a powerful tool for African businesses looking

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What makes an early-stage business investable?

Small Business Development & ESD, Thought Leadership / Chris Buchanan

You have a plan, you’ve started to implement it, but how do you get it to the next level by bringing in some outside investment? Just what makes an entrepreneur investment-ready? By Edge Growth We had a chat to some of Edge Growth’s team to find out exactly what they look for when they start

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Once a chainsaw operator – now a grower

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Enoch Mathenjwa’s journey in forestry goes way back – nearly four decades back to a different time in South Africa. In 1983 Enoch got his first job in forestry as a chainsaw operator for Shell Forestry in KwaMbonambi. Little did he know that he would eventually own 40 hectares of his own lush forests, scattered

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Exit and expansion for passionate KZN-based recycling start up

Small Business Development & ESD, SME showcase / Chris Buchanan

A 100% black-owned recycling business in Newcastle has become another example of how growth support initiatives are integral to drive entrepreneurs to the next level of growth and scalability. The business was started in 2009 by three young entrepreneurs from Osizweni township in Newscastle, KwaZulu Natal. With a borrowed bakkie and no employees, these three

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Community food gardeners to sell their harvests at Shoprite, Checkers

Community & Impact, In the News / Chris Buchanan

Tholakele Centre of Hope is part of other local nationwide community gardens that have been given the opportunity to sell their harvest at the Shoprite and Checkers Market Day. Palesa Tsotetsi – Springs Advertiser Tholakele Centre of Hope has been given the opportunity to sell its fresh and organically grown produce to the public at

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FNB commits R200 million for SME development with launch of Vumela 4

ESD initiatives, Small Business Development & ESD / Chris Buchanan

Significant and growing unemployment and poverty are risks to the sustainability of South Africa. A growing and sustainable SME sector does a great deal to contribute to the alleviation of these factors. Image: Richard Rose, CEO of the Fund Management division for Edge Growth To further assist this sector, FNB this week announced a R200

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