New mall to open in Alex soon
ALEXANDRA - The Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce (GALXCOC) is preparing small and micro enterprises to ready themselves for a new shopping center in the area.
The Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce (Galxcoc) is encouraging micro enterprises to consider conducting businesses in a new mall to be constructed in Tsutsumani.
This was said at a recent workshop for small business entrepreneurs at Motsweding Centre where several financial agencies advised them on opportunities which will arise from this planned development. Construction will start in January 2015, and on completion the mall is expected to compete with PanAfrica shopping centre and other surrounding malls.
Mamiki Matlawa, secretary general of Galxcoc said the mall would attract investment to the area and provide opportunities for growth to small entrepreneurs through hand-holding partnerships with big businesses.
“This support will infuse innovative ideas to them to improve the quality of their products and in delivering their goods and services,” she said.
Yzman Makhajane of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) said most problems faced by small businesses resulted from lack of key knowledge and commitment to business principles. He said that they lacked an understanding of the importance of branding themselves as a marketing strategy for their goods and services. In addition, he urged them to use a variety of media for marketing and to centre their enterprises around specific business plans which should be reviewed periodically to align their business with evolving needs of their customers.
Makhajane said his organisation would assist them with business planning tools – how to outline their products, set financial and growth rate projections, access black empowerment opportunities and internships, and on how to develop a culture of savings and investments. He urged them to consider getting involved in the new shopping centre through franchise and funding opportunities which the NEF could assist them with.
The South African Franchise Warehouse also encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of business opportunities through their franchise opportunities. Belinda Bradley, a director at the warehouse, said they offered franchise opportunities in a range of products. They would advise the entrepreneurs on the ones that suit their angle of business and improve their entrepreneurial skills through business management workshops.
“Our support includes human resource development planning, developing marketing strategies, business registration and continuous monitoring during the business incubation process,” she concluded.
Details: Galxcoc 011 440 7887; NEF 011 305 8000.
