PMCB launches Global Export Accelerator Programme
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) is excited to launch the PMCB Global Export Accelerator Programme supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
Our media partners on this programme is Capital Newspapers, and we are busy finalising a partnership with Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN).
The Global Export Accelerator Programme has an overall development objective: supporting export-led economic activity, to unlock entrepreneurial opportunities for emerging Black businesses and create export-oriented employment.
The programme aims to stimulate job creation and income generation for 40 SMMEs by providing them with a suite of export-oriented development support, ranging from training, mentoring, product development and international market research, to international market access and business linkages.
In 2016, GIZ partnered with the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) to pilot the first export-focused accelerator.
Following the successful completion of that project, a number of key national stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, were interested in the model.
The parties engaged with GIZ Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) to explore opportunities for upscaling the model through a collaborative partnership, with the intention of achieving greater economic impact with a national implementation footprint. This project is the culmination of such engagements.
Four chambers will run export accelerators in their specific provinces, namely: The JCCI; the Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and the PMCB. We will be supported nationally by the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC).
The success of a programme like this depends heavily on partnerships and we’re grateful for the support we’ll receive from these partners, as well as from our members in terms of guidance, training and mentorship.
Our grateful thanks go to Msunduzi Library Services; iThemba Projects in Sweetwaters and Zulu Mpophomeni Tourism Experience for accommodating our physical entry boxes. There will be entry boxes in the following libraries: Bessie Head Library in the CBD; Truro Library; Sobantu Library and Georgetown Library.
Suitable KZN-based black-owned businesses that have been in operation for more than a year and are interested in exporting are invited to apply to join the PMCB Global Export Accelerator Programme, supported by GIZ.
How to apply: Request an electronic form from info@pmcb.org.za
Complete the application form and submit it by March 31, either:
Physically, via one of the application boxes (find them at the Bessie Head Library in the CBD; the Georgetown Library; Sobuntu Library; Truro Library; iThemba Projects in Sweetwaters, ZMTE Offices in Mpophomeni); or
Electronically via the PMCB website www.pmcb.org.za; or
All applications will be reviewed and screened against the selection criteria. Thereafter, candidates will be short-listed for interviews. 40 businesses will be selected for the programme.
If selected we’ll help get your business and product/service export-ready, identify suitable export markets and facilitate market access.
Let’s go global!