City Business Hub launches in Strand Street Concourse

The Business Hub Helpdesk resolved 95% of the 1 049 service requests from small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurs during the previous financial year. The Business Hub is as of today, 8 August 2019, located in its new home in the Strand Street Concourse, making it accessible to even more SMMEs and entrepreneurs. Read more below:

‘I am very excited to be attending the official opening of the Business Hub’s new home in the heart of the CBD. This walk-in centre will enhance the City’s One Stop Shop offering by expanding the services offered and reducing administrative barriers. Through this centre, we want to contribute towards a business friendly environment where we will reduce barriers and other red tape measures. It will ensure that all business support services can be accessed under one roof, driving to position Cape Town as a forward looking, economically inclusive city,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, during his keynote address.

The Hub is the new home of the Enterprise and Investment Department’s Enterprise Development unit which is doing stellar work to advance the City’s economic agenda. The team assists to grow the economy and job creation by helping small to medium enterprises and entrepreneurs.

‘The Business Hub is a platform for designing solutions that will make small business more competitive and resilient. We take our commitment to grow the economy serious and we have been working with SMMEs and partner organisations for many years to ensure that this important part of the economy thrives. SMME’s are the life blood of cities and the engines that fuel economic growth,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.

Requests for support or guidance has increased from 539 enquiries in 2016, to 1 049 enquiries in 2018/2019. This is an indication that more people are taking their future into their own hands by starting new ventures.

Success Story

‘SMMEs play a vital role in our economy and one person’s story is a testament of the power of SMMEs in our economy,’ said Alderman Vos.

Glynn Mashonga is one of the success stories and she has received assistance from the Business Support Unit. 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 that Glynnis faced was access to funding. But she persevered and attended one of the City’s Smart Supplier Development Programmes, which is run annually by the Business Support unit.

Glynnis was coached on how to pitch to clients, especially major corporate clients. She was then given the opportunity to pitch to major corporate clients.  The training she received helped her to land more clients and forge new business links. Proof of her success is in the fact that she started with just herself and one technician, and today she 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 a prime example of the impact that government support can have on a small business, and in putting the support and systems in place to ensure an environment in which job creation thrives.

Where and how to contact?

The Business Hub is centrally located at the Strand Concourse next to the Golden Acre, which many residents pass each day. The team will be on site from 08:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and can also be contacted on 021 417 4043; the dedicated business support email address business.support@capetown.gov.za; and through the City’s website.

‘Sometimes, all that people need is an opportunity and a helping hand, or a word of encouragement and guidance. This is what the Business Hub is offering. I want to say to all entrepreneurs and business owners we are here to support you and grow your businesses,’ added Mayor Plato.

‘As the City, we are committed to doing our part to enable economic growth as we understand that it is not government’s role to create jobs, but rather to create an enabling environment for job creation and economic growth,’ said Alderman Vos.

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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town