![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/09/LeahKnottWard97_69151.jpg)
The City of Johannesburg wants business to grow so the economy grows and ultimately, unemployment decreases.
The Department of Economic Development is, therefore, preparing to host a Joburg entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium that could address and improve entrepreneurial ecosystems, in order to grow the economy and facilitate job creation.
Catering for delegates drawn from the City’s seven regions, the symposium is set to take place at the Joburg Theatre on 23 and 24 October.
The MMC for Economic Development, Leah Knott, said this will be the first entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium in Johannesburg.
“It is a gathering of government, the private sector, educational institutions, non-government organisations and, most importantly, entrepreneurs. The purpose of the entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium is to create actionable plans that will assist in growing entrepreneurship,” she said.
The department committed to increased regional economic development and support towards entrepreneurial development and in order to succeed, Knott said a stronger alignment between the department and regional offices and collaboration between the City, the private sector and small business is needed.
“This is a citywide event, looking at affirming the City’s position on entrepreneurship and future working groups with regional offices, small business, the private sector (business chambers), academics and industry players.”
Leading up to the citywide symposium will be a series of regional economic summits, which the department will run in partnership with the regions.
More information about these summits will be made available as soon as the City releases it.
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