Celebrating 10 years of successful enterprise development

The CCDI was started as a joint initiative of the Western Cape provincial government and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2001. It has won accolades for its work, with partners, in skills training, job and wealth generation, trade promotion and giving people much-needed access to opportunity.

The 2500 enterprises on the CCDI database range from small and micro businesses, many in disadvantaged communities, to leading designer makers who have received CCDI training in exports and sell their products at international trade and consumer shows.

Achievements

• Market access: Craft producers have taken up over 2750 places at 169 trade and consumer shows, where the CCDI has won 28 awards for both turnover and the stylish appearance of its stands.
  
• Training: Craft producers have enjoyed 5127 places on CCDI-facilitated business administration or creativity workshops since 2002; 1664 training opportunities were recorded in 2010/2011 alone. Minister Alan Winde, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape opened a dedicated training unit in October 2010.
  
• Product support and development: Some 979 opportunities for product support and development have been taken up in the past ten years. Nearly 8330 visits have been recorded at the former FabLab, now known as the Product Support Space. This assisted DIY computer-aided design/manufacturing environment includes a wide array of tools and machines, plus research and IT facilities, with one-on-one staff assistance.
  
• Mentoring: Some 146 enterprises have received mentoring support in the past decade.
  
• Annual exhibition known as the Handmade Collection, which showcases the best of Western Cape craft and design products
  
• Monthly craft sector meeting; newsletter; website and matchmaking events

CCDI executive director Erica Elk attributes this growth to its open door, innovative culture and people- and results-oriented approach. This has encouraged support from City, provincial and national government funders, as well as local and international corporate donors.

"The CCDI has taken a systemic and long-term view as to how we can fundamentally alter the environment within which we exist - the most sustainable way of doing this is by impacting on the people within it. The whole development of the human being at the centre is what is required to truly prepare people for 'the world of work' and the 'world of business'. We have found ways of giving people access to opportunities that support their growth and development.

"If I look back at the last 10 years, probably the single most important thing we have done is simply to be there, again and again and again.

"Sometimes you need to do the equation many times before something in your brain clicks. Sometimes spending an hour drawing nothing can unlock a torrent of new ideas. Attending a trade show is not just about sales but also the lessons learned in engaging with people and selling. Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to. In this way, we layer skill upon skill, experience upon experience, opportunity upon opportunity, new idea upon old idea and people emerge with confidence and the ability to take charge of their lives."

The CCDI has commissioned a 128-page, full-colour book to commemorate its 10-year history. It includes interviews with craft producers from throughout the Western Cape, ten lessons and two essays, all beautifully photographed.

For more information, go to www.capecraftanddesign.org.za.