Alliance to strengthen small enterprises

BUSINESS NEWS - The Small Business Alliance (SBA), a non-profit organisation that will provide a crucial support service to small businessowners in the Southern Cape, was launched in the Rosemoor Community Hall on Thursday 12 February.

The SBA will act as a mouthpiece for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). It will communicate and negotiate on their behalf when provincial and local government projects, training or funding become available, and will keep them informed in this regard.

Cedric Adams, secretary of the SBA's executive committee, said businesses will be assisted to become compliant with all legal requirements that must be met when tendering for provincial and local government tenders.

"This is crucial as many opportunities are lost through non-compliance. The SBA will also act as an umbrella organisation for small businesses in all sectors, including construction, catering, agriculture (small commercial farming), forestry and fisheries."

Monthly meetings will be held during which there will be network opportunities with other businessowners where information and updates on opportunities will be provided.

Currently, two representatives from each of the towns of George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay serve on the executive committee of 14 members.

"The plan is also to eventually establish a separate committee for each town and to include Hessequa as well. As we grow and get established, we will aim to hold a gathering of all the members three times a year."

During the launch meeting, various speakers delivered informative presentations, including from the Department of Employment and Labour, First National Bank, Africa Skills, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) and the George Municipality. The business chambers from Pacaltsdorp and George gave messages of support.

The SBA's executive committee members are Lester Jansen (chairperson), Pinky Mkayo (deputy chairperson), Cedric Adams (secretary), Ann Saaiman (treasurer), Buyiswa Biko (military veterans), Gayline Saaiman (youth and disabled), Fredeline Meyer (women), Michael Damons (Oudtshoorn), Zuzeka Chiliba (Mossel Bay), Nomfundo Ndunana (Knysna) and Nosipo Mphikwa (Knysna).

Small businesses who are interested to join may contact Adams on 079 736 3357.

At the launch were Cedric Adams, Lester Jansen, Edward Fredericks (Labour Department - UIF), Pinky Mkayo, Mila Mabi (Compensation Fund supervisor - Labour Department), Ann Saaiman and Zoliswa Windmaker (Compensation Fund - Labour Department).