This is the second in a series of community market days hosted by the George Municipality, an initiative of the executive mayor, Councillor Charles Standers, as an integral part of his Big Idea Project for George.
The market days offer members of the community an opportunity to sell their goods once a month within their own communities and in so doing to generate an income. "It is clear that some markets have gained significant momentum and could be continued as permanent events into 2014, said Rose Lewis, administrative officer of local economic development.
Every month an information session is held to brainstorm the expansion of the market days. The organisers of each market attend the meetings and last week Wednesday's meeting included a prize giving for Best Organiser as motivation.
Standers said that the Big Idea around the project is to 'grow George' and that the economy is not only driven by big business, but through small businesses as well.
Cilliers said he especially wants to see more youth involvement in the market days. "Mentoring of the small business owner is as important as the market days themselves, in order to allow the businesses to make money and be sustainable." He added that it is good to sell food, but he would like entrepreneurs to think along more creative lines and to refine their products, especially for the overseas market.
The next market day takes place on Wednesday 27 November from 16:00 to 19:00, and the final market for the year is on Monday 16 December from 09:00 to 12:00.
Dr Willie Cilliers, president of the George Business Chamber (left) hands Janine Bruce and Alicia Jantjies their prize, a popcorn machine, which they won for organising the most successful market day in October. Looking on are Mayor Charles Standers, Rose Lewis, administrative officer for Local Economic Development, and Deputy Mayor Daniel Maritz.
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