The City of Johannesburg, through the Department of Economic Development, successfully launched the much-anticipated Joburg Market Opportunity Centre in City Deep today
Entrepreneurs and SMMEs are the backbone of any economy and require effective support for their success. The City aims to establish itself as the entrepreneurial city of the future that offers concrete solutions to pressing issues such as unemployment.
During his keynote address at the launch, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development Councilor (Cllr) Lawrence Khoza said: “The centre is situated within the Market due to the economic activities that exist. The City has the responsibility to create economic opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs’ in Region F, specifically non-financial assistance on how to formalise their businesses, market products, accessing markets, compliance advice, business development training and to understand the entire value chain on how to run a successful business. All training workshops will be free of charge and participants will be issued with a certificate of attendance.”
The centre identifies and earmark appropriate training workshops and will work with relevant service providers to offer SMME development programmes at the centre with the intent of:
• Offering a “single point of entry” for the SMMEs where a basket of services is being offered
• Registration of their companies and SARS related functions
• Free access to WI-FI for business use
• Assistance with the completion of tender documents and related issues.
• Use of meeting rooms
• Funding research and facilitation, including funding products awareness and guidance on the application process
• A dedicated investment desk with a business adviser
To date, the City has 10 operational Opportunity Centres placed where members of the community, especially emerging small businesses across all sectors, can walk in for assistance and advice on entrepreneurship and business support issues. Their purpose is to create an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive through the support of public-private partnerships. Another centre will be opened at Eldorado Park on 23 March 2021.
-ENDS-
Issued on behalf of the Department of Economic Development
For Media Enquiries:
Lydia Mathobela-Nhlapo
Media Specialist: Mayoral Communications
Private Office of the Executive Mayor
Mobile: 060 568 7522
Email: LydiaNhlapo@joburg.org.za
