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Government collaborates with big business at a virtual summit.

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on revenues in many small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), resulting in severe strain on their business operations.

The Gauteng department of economic development in collaboration with Vodacom, Microsoft, PPC, Cash Build, Coca Cola, Accenture, Digify Africa and Heavy Chef aim to assist SMMEs in directing their businesses and finding sustainable solutions.

Department of economic development director: special projects, strategic partnerships and international relations Tseliso Mohlomi said: “We are committed to supporting, nurturing and helping SMMEs to foster innovative ways to deal with the impact of the pandemic.”

Tackling the issue of inclusive economic transformation and strengthening the sustainability of township businesses, the department will be hosting the virtual Gauteng SMME Summit 2021 today and tomorrow.

The summit aims to help create access to information, financial assistance and access to markets for township-based enterprises.

“Through this summit, the department seeks to tackle the issues of inclusive economic transformation and strengthen the importance of collaboration and cooperation amongst small businesses,” says Mohlomi. “Our objectives are to achieve tangible outcomes and to be able to monitor and track achievements.”

The purpose of this year’s summit is to ensure SMMEs overcome the financial burden that has been caused by the pandemic, creating a platform where they can collaborate with one another, providing strategies and opportunities, as well as for coordination, partnership and collaboration, and making sure they are co-creating capabilities.

It will be live streamed on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

“Governments must take an interest in the problems that SMMEs face,” said Mohlomi.

“If they are aware of how difficult it is for SMMEs to carry out certain business tasks and if they understand which sectors are worth investing in, they can effectively help spur economic growth.

“The pandemic has given us the opportunity to offer support to township SMMEs, who have been overtaken by the events within the economic mainstream.

“Our vision is to invest in both financial and non-financial support, like skills development, capacity building, grant funding and access to market.

“Further to government intervention, there is collaboration between private and public sector partners to develop tailored initiatives to aid SMMEs access opportunities and information.”

William Mzimba, chief executive of Vodacom Business Group said: “As a purpose-led organisation focused on connecting for a better future by enabling a digital society, we are excited to participate in this summit and to be part of a solution that supports SMMEs”. –