Creating sustainable business environments to support and develop SMMEs in Tshwane

FLTR: Mr Solly Mogaladi (CEO: TEDA), Ms Zodwa Fanele (Key Accounts Officer: BE at UP), Khanya Mahlare (Executive: Marketing and Communication: TEDA), Mr Deon Herbst, (CEO: CE at UP and E at UP Group of Entities), Mr Irvin Bogopa, (Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager: CE at UP).

The Ditsong National Museum for Cultural History recently hosted delegates from TEDA and the University of Pretoria at the second annual Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Fair, attracting various companies specialising in, and offering SMME support and development initiatives.

Building on its successful showing in 2014, this year's theme, "Improvement, a logical form of change", centred on discussion points to address the challenges that hinder SMMEs' progress and development, including the lack of access to markets, skills development and expertise.

Continuing Education at University of Pretoria (CE at UP) plays a key role in SMME support and development, and attended the fair with a keen interest in developing the capital's SMMEs into sustainable businesses that will also, in turn, avail themselves to mentor and coach new, upcoming enterprises.

CE at UP awarded three SMMEs at the event with a sponsorship to attend our short course, Kick-start Your Professional Network Using LinkedIn, in an effort to accelerate their business acumen. The winners are Thabitha Mosito from Ga-Rankuwa, Amelia Ramphadi from Alexandra and Thembi Mongwe from Soshanguve. Business Enterprises at University of Pretoria (BE at UP) also awarded Imania Corporate Hygiene Services with their specialised consulting services for the purpose of improving their business further.