Development finance and SMME support

The Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub will assist small businesses.

The North West Provincial Government is investing in digital infrastructure. SMMEs will be able to use the newly-established Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub (pictured) as a co-working environment and to get support in using digital tools.

A Digital Covid-19 SMME Business Recovery training intervention was carried out by the Hub in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT). This resulted in more than 180 entrepreneurs from all four districts of the province receiving training. A Youth Digital Skilling programme aims to teach skills such as software and app development, Artificial Intelligence and robotics.

R6-million has been allocated for the 2021/22 financial year by the province to support women co-operatives and SMMEs. Support includes mentoring, training and buying equipment. Most of the Cooke’s Lake Information Centre in Mahikeng (excluding the existing office block) is to become a permanent flea market.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) currently has nine contracts covering more than 2 300km in the province. A set of subcontracts is being negotiated for routine maintenance such as the patching of potholes, fencing and the cutting of grass verges.

The National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has several programmes to assist SMMEs and co-operatives. These include the Black Business Supplier Development Programme and the Cooperative Incentive Scheme, a 100% grant.

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) is an agency of the DSBD and gives nonfinancial support to entrepreneurs through training, assistance with filling in forms, marketing and creating business plans.

The Seda Technology Programme helps potential businesses become trading entities. The Industrial Development Corporation is a strategic lender and plays a strong role in supporting small and emerging enterprises.

The SAB Foundation Tholoana Programme provides grant funding and business support in the North West. The programme invests in entrepreneurs, particularly women, youth, people in rural areas and persons with disabilities. The 18-month programme provides mentorship, business development tools and workshops, access to peer networks finance, and support throughout the time spent on the programme. ■

ONLINE RESOURCES

Mafeking Digital Innovation Hub: www.mafihub.co.za North West Development Corporation: www.nwdc.co.za Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za Tholoana Enterprise Programme: www.sabfoundation.co.za SECTOR INSIGHT An SMME and co-operative support programme has a budget of R6-million for 2021/22.