FinFind scheme for SMMEs launched
JOBURG – The second instalment of the National Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises Colloquium saw the launch of the FinFind scheme.
FinFind, developed by the United States Agency for International Development, is a new online-based scheme aimed at providing easier access to start-up funds for small businesses, and supporting and advising these businesses.
Both the launch and colloquium took place at the Industrial Development Corporation and saw the Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu, formally introduce and explain the concept of FinFind.
“This one-stop solution for access to finance is a more direct and concrete response to the call from SMMEs for government to assist,” she said.
“We have heard the cries from the small business sector about lack of access to finance.”
Zulu also expressed confidence that the finance scheme would help the country win the war against poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Speaking at the colloquium, Professor Michael Woywode, head of the Institute for SME at the University of Mannheim, Germany, spoke about the international perspective with regards to the effect of policy on sustainable SMME development.
He emphasised the need to find and support privately-owned family enterprises. “These kinds of companies contribute to sustainable entrepreneurship and each country should make it a point to find and support these winning companies,” he said.
Other speakers at the colloquium included United States Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, and Small Business Development Institute CEO Xolani Qubeka.
The discussion concluded with an open day on entrepreneurship for pupils from various schools across South Africa.
Details: For more information, visit www.finfindeasy.co.za
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