Historic local business mentoring and promotion to take off in Joburg North in 2018
JOBURG NORTH – 2018 will see the launch of one of the largest and most comprehensive business mentoring and promotion initiatives undertaken in northern Johannesburg.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/Capture-3-1.jpg)
In a bid to provide major support to local businesses, assist in skills development and, in turn, help stimulate the economy, Caxton Local Media’s Fourways Review, Midrand Reporter, Sandton Chronicle, Randburg Sun and Northcliff Melville Times are teaming up with the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Fourways Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Future City Fourways (FCF) and top locations and entities in Fourways.
We will be working with accredited business development specialists, support groups for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, consulates for trade and investment, along with tourism and financial institutions, to name a few. They will all contribute accredited and valuable functions and activities for the benefit and support of our regional economic development, as well as support for sustainable growth for all business sectors in our region. The support and ‘voice’ of businesses will be represented by the FCCI through RCCI in the City’s Department of Economic Development, with whom the Chambers represent a respected voice.
We are hopeful the City of Johannesburg will open the jobseekers and innovation desks early next year, as this will go far to support the various regions’ economic development objectives already supported by the RCCI and FCCI.
Caxton Local Media has a circulation of over 1.6 million local newspaper copies in Gauteng alone, which includes over 150 local newspapers in South Africa. Fourways Review, Midrand Reporter, Sandton Chronicle, Randburg Sun and Northcliff Melville Times and websites will be offering unbelievable advertising packages for start-ups, SMEs and mom-and-pop businesses with unparalleled reach into the community – which translates into greater business opportunities and effects more value for one’s rand.
Both the RCCI and FCCI are non-profit companies that offer local, provincial an government level support to businesses, as well as trade and investment opportunities locally and into Africa, as well as abroad. All local and community-driven services to local businesses operate under accreditation of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). All funds raised are applied to the main objectives of the Chambers, and no profits are drawn from chamber activities for any personal gain.
FCF is also a community-driven operation with the main objective of improving greater Fourways through supplementary municipal cleaning and maintenance services. FCF is funded by sponsorships from its community and works very closely with the city council. It has a large board of directors representing most of the top property owners and various residents’ associations in the greater Fourways area.
Really exciting times lie ahead, said Linda Blackbeard, CEO OF RCCI and FCCI. “We anticipate fantastic results for our members in 2018 by jointly working together with FCF whose function is mainly community services, and FCCI who address all business-related matters,” she said.
Are you excited about the future of local business in your area? Let us know by commenting below!