Earlier this week, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, joined the City’s Business Hub team for an activation in Lotus River to bring advice and guidance to the doorstep of businesses in the area. I was encouraged to see entrepreneurs taking the opportunity to learn insights that would help their enterprises grow.
With their business assistance platform and calendar of free training, the City’s Business Hub’s helpdesk has proven to be an invaluable asset to small businesses in Cape Town.
In the past financial year, the Hub has responded to more than 1 750 enquiries, 1 051 have come in since the beginning of 2022. The helpdesk team answers questions about red tape, tendering and where to find financial assistance. At the same time, 973 entrepreneurs have participated in the skills development programmes offered.
The City government’s support for blossoming enterprises has ensured Cape Town’s reputation as Africa’s start-up capital. According to the latest Global Financial Centres Index, the Mother City has outpaced several cities across the continent and is homing in on the crown for Africa’s top financial centre.
The City is determined to continue providing these necessary resources for Cape Town’s small businesses to thrive. As such, a significant portion of the City’s budget for Economic Growth is specified for The Business Hub as well as enterprise development programmes with partners such as Productivity SA and the South African Renewable Energy Incubator.
The City’s mission is to get us to the number 1 ranking on that index. We remain committed to continuously finding ways to make life easier for businesses, giving them the freedom to innovate, develop, and employ more people.
To see when the Mobile Hub will be in your area and to sign up for one of the development programmes, visit https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/.
For data-free access to the virtual sessions, attendees can use the SmartCape services in public libraries or go to one of the 100 City-run buildings in the metro with free Wi-Fi access. Find out more here: https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/get-online/Public-Wifi-Zones/public-wifi-across-the-city