Public Private Partnerships Can Work For Entrepreneurs Property Point will develop 16 small business in the property sector of which two thirds are youth and women owned.
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In a landmark partnership for collective economic growth in South Africa, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) joined forces with Property Point, a Growthpoint Properties initiative, to develop more small businesses for South Africa's property sector.
DSBD has allocated a R5 million grant to Property Point for a one-year small business development programme as part of its Enterprise Incubation Programme (EIP). This breakthrough initiative is the first public-private partnership of its kind in the property sector. It will develop 16 small businesses in the property sector of which two thirds are youth and woman-owned.
For this unique 16-business intake, Property Point's programme is powerfully market driven. It will raise the profile of the entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitiveness, with a deep focus on market integration.
The programme aims to create market linkages for these small businesses that will see them included in procurement opportunities in the broader property sector, as well as Growthpoint. It is expected to set new benchmarks for small business integration into private sector supply chains.
Estienne de Klerk, CEO of Growthpoint South Africa, says: "We believe in the principles of social and economic transformation and empowerment on all levels, and we are committed to achieving this. As a hands-on property owner, we own and manage our buildings – we recognise our unique position to develop small businesses to increase their access to market opportunities.
"We are proud to contribute to this pioneering public-private partnership designed to deliver on South Africa's transformation, small business, economic growth and job creation objectives."
Shawn Theunissen, head of Property Point and head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Growthpoint Properties, says:
"Property Point's objective has always been to contribute to South Africa's economic growth. Using a best practice model, we have delivered positive results in our new partnership with government. This will escalate our impact on transforming the economy at a crucial time when South Africa is dealing with high unemployment and low economic growth."
The beneficiaries of the Property Point and DSBD partnership have advice on how other entrepreneurs can make the most out of similar programmes:
Advice from Zoleka Ngema of Senzee Trading
Contact www.senzee.co.za.
- Be honest this helps you define your position and helps you view the real issues in your business.
- Do every task diligently every business is different and what works for one might not work for you, so working diligently personifies the tasks and therefore adds value to your business.
- Lessons are continuous remember & do the tasks done as these will create a cycle of growth even after the course is over.
Advice from Sibongile Shikwambana of Sandwind Coatings
Contact www.sandwind.co.za.
- Be fully present, participate and take advantage of every single opportunity
- Drive your own business agenda; recognise that you and no one else can make your business successful
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships.
Advice from Teko Motlhabi of Techmo Air
Contact www.techmoair.com
- Try to be present and involved with all the activities and opportunities handed to you
- Ask for help from the Programme Managers and the rest of the team when you need it
- Create relationships with your fellow entrepreneurs and collaborate.
