Roadshow aimed to foster Newcastle’s entrepreneurial spirit
"The aim is to build and help emerging companies and in turn, create job opportunities."
Small business owners were extended a helping hand by the Newcastle Municipality, at a small business roadshow held at the Farmers Hall recently.
The programme was led by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Nomalungelo Gina, Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane and Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, with the aim of assisting businesses owners in Newcastle.
Various Government business partners, including SEDA (Small Enterprises Development Agency), NYDA (National Youth Development Agency), IDC (Industrial Development Corporation), the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, DTPS (the Department: Telecommunications and Postal Services) were also in attendance.
Deputy Minister Gina encouraged the youth to explore business opportunities in the agricultural sector, and participate in the fast-growing cannabis business. Dr Ngubane expressed similar sentiments.
He lamented the little use being made of vast fertile lands in the various municipalities within the district. In conclusion, he called on the youth to ‘get their hands dirty’, as the agricultural sector needed more young people to be involved.
Government business partners also called for residents to not shy away from applying for funding. However, Deputy Minister called upon these entities to work with communities and not make applications for funding a nightmare for applicants.
“The funding programme is for everyone. The aim is to build and help emerging companies and in turn, create job opportunities. We are happy to see a great response from the public as they will benefit from this sustainable business. The department is there to nourish businesses and help identify a market,” said Gina.
Dr Mahlaba emphasised the need to end the ‘red tape’, which prevented local youth and women in particular, from doing business. He called on local businesses to prioritise locally manufactured products, emphasising this was the key to job creation.
“As Government, we want to partner with young people and ask them to play a key role in developing the local economy. Should any problems exist, we encourage small businesses to approach the municipality, we are willing to intervene,” said Dr Mahlaba.
He urged the public to exercise patience in this regard however, as the municipality worked together with small businesses to remove bottlenecks and backlogs.
“We encourage our communities to support local businesses, as this is paramount in growing our economy. Small businesses in our townships need to be run by local people. Newcastle is strategically located, and our residents can use this to their advantage. Today’s programme is important, as it provides residents with the necessary information which will help grow their businesses,” said Dr Mahlaba.
Government heads bilaterally agreed these programme needed to be ongoing until more businesses thrived. They also agreed to introduce skills empowerment programme to teach aspiring business people.
ALSO READ: SEDA coaches small business enterprises for big success in Newcastle
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