Advise for small business, entrepreneurs

The initiative forms part of Proudly SA's mandate to promote locally manufactured products and services and to educate procurers, enterprises and consumers about the economy-wide benefits of supporting and buying locally made goods. Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and Absa, the first event will kick off in Polokwane, in Limpopo, on Tuesday, under them theme "Innovation and competitiveness".

Proudly SA's CEO, Leslie Sedibe, said it has been proven worldwide that buying local remains a powerful measure to create jobs which, in turn, helps reduce poverty. "Therefore it's important that all South Africans unite in a collaborative effort to support and promote local enterprises, entrepreneurs and manufacturers as well as the products they produce," said Sedibe on Sunday.

Local businesses, entrepreneurs, SMMEs and procurement officials are invited to attend the morning conference. There will be no cost for delegates to attend.

"The government has already committed itself to stepping up local procurement through various interventions. Proudly SA is also geared towards empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs with a view to stimulating local manufacturing, the local economy and job creation."

The Limpopo leg will include representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Productivity SA, Absa and the National Cleaner Production Centre. They will provide information and advice on their business offerings, incentives and funding for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

"It's also an opportunity for networking and creating partnerships which can contribute towards business growth, economic growth and sustainable job creation," added Sedibe.