City rolls out Business Retention and Expansion programme in Epping

This week, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, launched the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) programme in Epping, the largest industrial district in the greater Cape Town area. Read more below:

The initiative, managed by the Investment Facilitation Branch (IFB) in the Enterprise and Investment Department and in partnership with the Epping City Improvement District, will assist large and small businesses with strategies to keep their doors open and, where possible, help to expedite their operational expansion.

‘The main aim of the BR&E programme is to focus on aspects of business development so that we can help enterprises to streamline their organisations, increase revenue, and grow job opportunities within their communities. The programme will package existing City initiatives aimed at helping businesses to survive and thrive, including the Business Hub, the Industrial Hotspot action plan, SMME toolkits, skills development programmes, and support projects administered by the City’s industry-specific Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs),’ said Alderman Vos.

Epping is a highly sought-after location for businesses and numerous companies in the textile, automotive, logistics, construction, and food processing sectors are located in the area. Currently, 738 businesses operate in the Epping Precinct.

ECID Chairperson Xavier Fazakerley said the body was keen to work with other organisations to unlock growth opportunities.

‘The Epping City Improvement District (ECID) believes in the power of partnerships, and we look forward to working with all role-players to ensure that Epping attracts ongoing investment to boost much-needed economic growth and create employment opportunities for the people of Cape Town,’ said Fazakerley.

Studies indicate that the creation of new jobs in urban areas is mainly derived from existing business development. An average of 60-80% of new jobs are created by growing and expanding businesses. In the period from March 2020 to September 2022 (which coincided with Covid-19 restrictions), the Investment Facilitation Branch held a total of 2 185 engagements with 422 unique businesses.

According to Alderman Vos, the Investment Facilitation Branch has secured new investments into Cape Town worth over R34 billion and thousands of jobs since its establishment in 2017.

The companies involved in these projects include NV Studios, a film company; PF Nonwovens, a textiles manufacturing group; Phoenix Marine, a boat-building company; and African Data Centres, an IT services provider.

‘It is through such partnerships and programmes that Cape Town has become the epicentre of investment and job creation in South Africa. By helping local entrepreneurs and businesses to not only keep their doors open but to grow. Cape Town will continue to be a beacon of economic prosperity,’ said Alderman Vos.

To speak to the Investment Facilitation Branch about the Business Retention and Expansion programme and other initiatives, email them at investment.facilitation@capetown.gov.za.