A big step in fuelling local business growth
The vehicle donation is said to not just be a means of transportation as it symbolises the journey of growth and success.
The Kagiso Hub Incubation Programme has taken another step in empowering local businesses on the West Rand.
This after they accepted a vehicle donation from a Canadian NPO The Townships Project to help participating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) better service their customers and become more competitive.
The Kagiso Hub focuses on developing entrepreneurs in the fields of diesel mechanics, electrical engineering, and plumbing. It further provides business development support services to entrepreneurs in Kagiso, Mohlakeng, Munsieville, and the broader West Rand District.
Executive head of Economic Inclusion and Sustainability at Property Point Clement Makotanyane said the timely nature of this donation is very important.
“It marks a watershed moment for the Kagiso programme. With enhanced mobility, we are now better equipped to reach and support local businesses. This vehicle is not just a means of transportation; it symbolises the journey of growth and success that we are embarking on with each entrepreneur in our programme,” he said.
The plumbing contractors will share the construction vehicle on the programme for their day-to-day operations. The vehicle will further help the Kagiso Hub, which already provides access to co-working office space, a co-working workshop, and mobile workshop infrastructure to ensure the beneficiaries can operate professionally.
Recently, the programme also welcomed 11 businesses. These enterprises are from various sectors within the construction industry and benefit from the support in areas such as business and technical assistance, networking, financial management, and sales and marketing strategies.
The Townships Project is a Canadian charity focusing on overcoming poverty by promoting small-scale businesses to promote economic and social upliftment in South African townships. Since 2017, The Townships Project has partnered with Rotary Clubs in South Africa to sponsor small businesses in townships through micro-loans, micro-franchises, and community development.
Makotanyane also highlighted the growth of participating businesses.
“Seeing the tangible growth and development in the early stages of our programme is deeply encouraging. This is a testament to the hard work and determination of each entrepreneur. With our collective efforts, we are building businesses and cultivating a community of innovative leaders who are the driving force behind Kagiso and the region’s economic development.”
Many local businesses made their way to the programme to play a role in improving the economic well-being of the region.
