Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo in September

"Entrepreneurs and the country's small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are the true catalysts of economic growth. There is no denying the importance of the role that they play in our economy," says Carol Weaving, MD of Thebe Exhibitions and Projects.

The 2010 event saw a high turnout of visitors and the 2011 expo is expected to raise the bar, targeting over 10 000 guests who will be looking for leading business, investment and franchising opportunities.

Haylene Liberty, CEO of the Eskom Foundation, says 2011 marks the 10th year of collaboration with the Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo. "We have run alongside the expo for the past decade, but we officially became partners of Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo in 2010 in a well matched PPP."

Business investment competition

Now in its third year, Eskom Foundation presents the 2011 Eskom Business Investment competition (BIC), which aims to recognise, reward and develop small business owners. It is open to small-to-medium sized, black-owned enterprises in South Africa in the agricultural, manufacturing, and trade/services sectors. The 27 finalists, one from each sector representing their province, will exhibit at BOFE as part of their prize.

"In terms of the foundation's strategy, the support provided to small-to-medium businesses through the enterprise development programme, the Eskom Contractor Academy and BIC, not only assists with their growth, but helps create further employment opportunities," explains Liberty.

At the same time, it creates an increasing pool of SME and black, women-owned (BWO) suppliers on which Eskom and other large corporate players can draw when procuring goods and services. "Sourcing goods and services at this level makes for good corporate citizenship," adds Liberty.

Entrepreneurs and small-to-medium business owners need the encouragement to grow so they can continuously add to economic growth, while stimulating job opportunities. However, the growth of feasible and practical SMEs relies on access to investors and funding, the availability of information technology and infrastructure and good leadership and marketing opportunities.

Last year's interest

Research from the 2010 expo revealed that 72% of its attendees were interested in buying a business, while 62% of the visitors who attended the show have funds readily available to invest.

"South Africa has already proved to be resilient during a wave of recessions globally. By nurturing entrepreneurs and business owners, the country will put itself on a growth path that will ensure sustainable economic development and, consequently, improved systems for all who live in this unique and robust environment," concludes Weaving.

For more information, go to www.bofe.co.za.