The Business Place opens in Soweto
The Business Place, an advisory agency that assists SMMEs to establish themselves, has opened a new office in Soweto.
The walk-in centre is situated at the Jozi SME Hub in the Soweto Empowerment Zone on Chris Hani Road in Diepkloof.
“We are indeed open for business,” said Soweto Branch Supervisor Gugu Khonjelwayo.
The Business Place is a long-standing partner of the City of Johannesburg in the development of aspirant businesspeople in the City.
Last year, the agency played a critical role during the registration of community-based companies and cooperatives that wanted to tap into business opportunities brought about by the advent of the City’s R3-billion mass empowerment and job creation programme Jozi@Work .
The Business Place’s walk-in centre in Diepkloof handles queries such as how to start a business, register a company or access free training.
The office is manned by four staffers, who attend to and assist an average of 30 people a day.
In the past, Soweto residents had to travel all the way to Marshalltown in the City centre to access such services.
Sibusiso Dlamini, of Absa’s Enterprise Development Unit in Jabulani, said such forums were important because people needed more information on a wide range of issues, including funding.
“Most people don’t have knowledge of how to do things. They don’t know the market. Some don’t even have business plans when they approach the bank to apply for loans because they have not done enough research.
“So these collaborations with the City and The Business Place are necessary and very useful. We are encouraging people to visit the branch for help.
“Those with access can check our website  or call centre for help. We will help once the needs analysis is done,” Dlamini said.
For more information, visit www.thebusinessplace.co.za
