Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, recently participated in City-supported events aimed at boosting the capabilities and market access of local entrepreneurs.
These included engagements with participants of the High Impact Supplier Development Programme and attendance at the SMME Showcase, the flagship closing event of the 10th annual City of Cape Town Smart Supplier Programme. These initiatives underscore the City’s commitment to empowering Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), a vital engine for economic growth and job creation.
High impact Supplier Development Programme
As part of a five-day, hands-on workshop, 25 selected SMMEs participated in the High Impact Supplier Development Programme. This initiative is designed to sharpen business strategy and operational capacity, enabling participants to become suppliers of choice within their respective sectors.
The programme covers key growth drivers such as:
- Building a strong sales pipeline
- Diversifying products and services
- Improving operational efficiency
- Enhancing pricing strategies
- Strengthening balance sheets to unlock financing opportunities
- Reducing business waste
- Establishing better market linkages
Alderman Vos also reconnected with past programme beneficiaries to conduct performance evaluations and gather feedback on business progression post-participation.
The participating enterprises span a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive services.
‘According to research by the South African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, SMMEs account for more than 75% of new job opportunities. This highlights the critical importance of not only supporting these businesses, but ensuring that support is tailored to the unique realities of the South African economy,’ said Alderman Vos.
One notable success story is Blackheath-based construction firm, Suku Nikezela, whose turnover grew from under R5 million to over R20 million following their participation in 2022. Their team expanded from five permanent staff to over 50 employees.
CEO Carl Cupido credited the programme with helping him think like an entrepreneur:
‘I studied civil engineering, not business. The High Impact Supplier Development Programme gave me the tools to shift my mindset and operate like a business owner.’
Another participating company, Saxonburg Fleet Maintenance, also based in Blackheath, reported improvements in financial planning and strategic growth thanks to the programme.
Alderman Vos also visited JBS Building Company in Heathfield, Gordian Fence SA in Kuils River and Lion Industries in Parow.
The 10th Annual Smart Supplier Programme and SMME Showcase
To mark a decade of support for emerging enterprises, the City hosted the 10th annual Smart Supplier Programme, culminating in the SMME Showcase. The event featured 50 local businesses presenting their offerings to fellow entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, and industry stakeholders.
‘SMMEs are central to economic innovation and resilience. Cape Town’s leading unemployment figures among metros are not coincidental – they are the result of targeted programmes like these that equip entrepreneurs with the skills and connections they need to succeed,’ said Alderman Vos.
Access to Support
For more information on enterprise development programmes supported by the City’s Economic Growth Directorate, contact The Business Hub team at +27 21 417 4043 or email business.support@capetown.gov.za
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