The Business Hub was launched to help the people of Cape Town set up or improve their business. I am immensely proud of the work done and the success achieved over the last 100 days.
At the start of global Entrepreneurship Week, I am specifically proud of the following achievements:
- 830 enquiries have been received;
- 100% of these queries have been answered;
- 98% have been resolved within two days;
- 90 private companies (PTY LTD’s) started;
- 12 non-profit organisations registered; and
- 240 sole traders in business
On 8 August 2019, I launched the Business Hub, located in the heart of the city centre, in the Strand Street Concourse. Our goal is to create a platform that helps find solutions to make small businesses more competitive and resilient.
I can safely say that this Business Hub is certainly fulfilling its role as the statistics speak for themselves.
Since I was appointed almost a year ago, I have focused my directorate on being the growth directorate. This means that we are constantly on the lookout for ways to help small to medium sized enterprises do business so they can be drivers of job creation.
Just one example of a business owner who has received help from this hub and who is a clear example of the power of SMMEs in our economy, is Glynn Mashonga.
She started her business, Globescope Security Solutions, from her home and as her business grew she moved into an office park. One of the main struggles she faced was access to funding. She then attended one of the City’s Smart Supplier Programmes, which is run annually by our Business Support unit.
She received training on how to pitch to major corporate clients. The training she received helped her to land more clients and forge new business links. As a direct result, she now employs 21 people.
Glynn’s business has a regular stream of work with an established list of blue chip clients such as IBM, ABSA and UK-based clients.
This is just one example of the power of collaboration between the City and business owners. Where there is a will, there is a way to grow our economy and create jobs. This is my mission and vision and I am very proud of the work done so far and look forward to many more successes going forward.
I’d like to thank my team in the Enterprise and Investment Department for the great work that they are doing to attract investment and create jobs.
The next step, based on the success of the walk-in Business Hub, will be the launch the mobile Business Hub in the next financial year, so we can take the solutions and services we offer to all corners of the Mother City.
You can visit the Business Hub walk-in centre in the Strand Street Concourse, or call on 021 417 4043, or online at www.capetown.gov.za/businesshub or queries can be sent to business.support@capetown.gov.za
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