Two KwaThema businesses are the beneficiaries of the Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP).
Gilbert Motlhaping works as a network facilitator for BBSDP, which is one of the opportunities presented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
He says the programme is a cost-sharing grant, assisting companies who have been functioning as businesses for at least a year, with a minimum turnover of R250 000.
The grant is a maximum of R1-million, and is awarded over a period of three years.
The money must be spent on either equipment, tools, machinery, business development or training interventions.
Gilbert says failing to produce the required turnover in the year/s after the grant is issued, then it will be terminated.
“The aim is to see those businesses increase employment and profit,” Gilbert elaborates.
Herbert Nkosi (42) and Lucky Masango (39) who operate brick-making and wooden furniture-making businesses respectively, both say the equipment provided by their grants has boosted their businesses.
“Seeing my business head towards a positive direction gives me confidence,” said Herbert.
He appeals to the youth and underdeveloped enterprises, ‘to use opportunities available to them’.
