13 enterprises in Loeriesfontein receive funding to drive transformation

Sergio Van Rooyen, owner of Hantam Chicks.

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One of the beneficiaries, Hantam Chicks, has plans to grow into a sustainable poultry farming operation that can provide additional jobs in Loeriesfontein.

“With the funding and support received, we are aiming to become a sustainable farm and a successful business. We also aim to create jobs for people in our community,” explained Sergio Van Rooyen, owner of Hantam Chicks.

Initiated and funded by Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms’ economic development programme, the project, aptly named #ChangeMakers, drew community change activists that were already working to improve the lives of their fellow residents and wanting to make a further positive difference.

All successful applicants were expected to attend business training courses, focused on financial and business management, as provided by the funders. The duration of the courses is one week each and aim to improve the beneficiaries’ ability to manage their business and finances professionally, which will ultimately increase the sustainability of micro entities in the town.

Businesses and community entities, applying for funding, are expected to meet certain requirements, which includes the necessary compliance documents. Additionally, the entity must have been active for at least three months; have a bank account; and most importantly a solid business plan illustrating the social or economic benefit for the broader community.

“The Asset Based Community Development approach we are taking to community development, is all about communities driving their own development – a bottom-up approach. Our role is to support the community’s vision and goals with the ultimate aim of sustainable development,” explained Vanessa Fredericks, economic development manager for Khobab Wind Farm and Loeriesfontein Wind Farm.