Small businesses have praised eThekwini Municipality after the success of the Inner/Outer West Regional Business Fair which was held at Hammarsdale Junction at the weekend.
More than 3000 visitors flocked to the Mall to witness exhibitions from local businesses that were showcasing their products and services.
Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo says small businesses play a major role in the City’s economy and he was pleased to learn that many participants at the Fair had used the opportunity to market their products.
“I am very pleased to witness that some SMMEs could make more than R5 000 in three days of exhibition and others were able to receive loads of orders,” says Nxumalo.
He further encouraged businesses to take advantage of such platforms as they promote networking opportunities with big businesses and to share information on growing their businesses.
During the Business Indaba which was running concurrently with the exhibition, Nxumalo emphasised the importance of perseverance, consistency and determination when nurturing a business as many known successful entrepreneurs today started small.
A representative from the Maritime industry was on site advising aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs about the existing business opportunities within the industry and offered tips on how they could successfully access those opportunities.
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Durban Chamber of Commerce and various financial institutions also shared information with businesses to develop their business skills.
The Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, Philip Sithole said he was very happy about the response from the community who came out in numbers to support local manufactured goods.
“Businesses are a key in decreasing levels of unemployment and poverty hence we are always at the forefront of supporting them. We also have a number of incubators around eThekwini that can assist businesses tremendously with existing programmes and resources,” he added.
Sithole urged people to do the same and support the upcoming Regional Business Fair to take place on 04-06 April at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi,” he said.
At the end of the exhibition best stands were announced which were judged for their creativity and their interaction with potential clients.
LNK Décor and Designs won the first prize which will allow her business to access promotional materials such as business cards, brochures, banners, one year accounting license and website development. Ukuhamba Craft came second and Malesna Designs was third.
An overjoyed Mpume Nkomo of LNK Décor and Designs thanked the Municipality for introducing this great platform in their area.
“This was the best weekend for me I managed to sell lots of my products, secured orders and I am now known to people who didn’t have a clue that I exist,” she added.
