Highly regarded as South Africa’s foremost authoritative resource featuring the latest projects, trends and developments in small business development.
There is little doubt that entrepreneurship requires intentional support to be a major source of employment and driver of growth in our economy. Some of the common challenges experienced by these entrepreneurs are: access to markets; access to funding; and cash flow management.
An effective ESD programme is designed to facilitate access to, and improvement of a small business through the following:
- Specialist support and networking opportunities that seeks to build the capacity of the SME to deliver;
- Access to capital that allows for further investment into the SME; and most important
- Procurement of goods or services by the corporate from participating SMEs that provides sustainable revenue streams.
The focus for the handbook this year is on eight clearly defined parameters within ESD, set out in focused chapters, namely: Entrepreneurial Empowerment; Social Entrepreneurship Programmes; The Green Economy; Impact Investing; Preferential Procurement; SME Growth Support; Research; Training.
This year’s issue highlights some of the standouts within the social innovation space – those who are driving the success of ESD programmes and making great strides in empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs. There is no doubt that the relationship between a corporate and an SME in an ESD partnership is a symbiotic one – it must be mutually beneficial and aligned with each party’s business objectives.
With the right strategic partnerships, ESD is a powerful vehicle for building small businesses that stand the test of time and eventually find a place on the same playing field as the country’s larger companies.
Enjoy the read,
Sizwe Zim
Editor
ESD Handbook 2022
