An opportunity for entrepreneurs
This is an important partnership for the African Reporter as we believe the creation of sustainable employment, through entrepreneurship, is key to the economic success of South Africa.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2019/02/money.jpg)
The African Reporter, Eastern Gauteng Business Linkage Centre (BLC) and Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EGCCI) have partnered to host a workshop for would-be small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) business owners.
This is an important partnership for the African Reporter as we believe the creation of sustainable employment, through entrepreneurship, is key to the economic success of South Africa.
Our vendor programme is a testament to the value the African Reporter and Caxton Local Media place on the entrepreneurial spirit alive in our key areas of KwaThema, Duduza, Tsakane and Springs.
The BLC has been in operation since 1999 and serves SMEs on the East Rand in Ekurhuleni, and even from as far away as Soweto.
ALSO READ:
Unpaid pensioners want their money
One of the core purposes of the BLC is to facilitate the development and growth of small black-owned companies.
In doing so, the centre helps owners, and aspiring owners, of fledgling companies with advice on how to register their companies, mentorship for small businesses and business training.
The BLC also helps SMEs leverage available government services for the development and uplifting of their small businesses.
SMEs are critical business partners to companies who require B-BBEE certification and the BLC; therefore, it facilitates introductions between companies looking for specific services and SME companies offering those services.
The BLC offices are open five days a week for SME registration of their businesses and assistance in linking their businesses to other businesses on the East Rand, with the aid of the EGCCI and its members.
Fred Jones, the BLC manager, who is well known for his experience and expertise in the area of SMEs, and is an accredited training facilitator who is routinely used by Lepharo incubator centre, will present the workshop, informing entrepreneurs about the services offered by the BLC and answering any questions you may have.
African Reporter editor Samantha Keogh will also introduce those in attendance to the paper’s vendor programme and explain the benefits of joining our 44 current vendors on their journey to economic freedom.
The workshop will be held on March 29 at 10am in the boardroom of the EGCCI.
The cost is R50 per person and seats are limited.