By Nangamso Mabindla
8 May 2006

THE City's local economic development department turned its attention to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) when it hosted a two-day information seminar.

The seminar, held in Mdantsane and Bhisho last week, was attended by a representative of the European Union's local economic development support programme, the provincial department of economic affairs and tourism and the Business and Finance Promotion Agency.

It was aimed at informing SMMEs about how to register a business, how to compile a business plan and how to get funding. Speaking at the seminar, Phumla Bukeni, from the European Union's support programme, said the national government had chosen the province to be one of those to be supported by the programme.

Limpopo and Mpumalanga were the others. Launched by Premier Nosimo Balindlela on 24 February in Lusikisiki in the Transkei as Sinakho, or We can, the programme aims to support municipalities and small businesses in the province.

"This programme is run by the Office of the Premier and is based in the provincial treasury. It works closely with the department of economic affairs and tourism through its parastatal, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation," Bukeni said.

The programme also worked with the department of local government, housing and traditional affairs. It was aimed at assisting municipalities to set up an environment conducive to business development.

"We also have a second fund, the local competitive fund, which focuses on small businesses. We will be putting an advertisement in the local newspaper giving more information about how to apply for this fund," she explained, urging small businesses to use the opportunities available to make their dreams a reality.

Siphiwe Kenqu, from the department of economic affairs and tourism's Amathole region, said the department's function was to support and co-ordinate economic development in the region. "We also work closely with municipalities and other departments in co-ordinating projects aimed at economic development," he said.

His unit also funded projects that were linked to municipal integrated development plans. "I urge SMMEs to form co-operatives so that they are in a better position to access funding; it is difficult to get funding as individuals. SMMEs need to unite so that they can be taken seriously by potential funders."

The City's manager for SMME development, Vuyani Mbatha, also urged people to register their informal businesses. "When they register their business, they are in a better position to do business [with] other government departments. It is important to register and get important things like tax clearances and business certificates; this will help when dealing with bigger institutions."