Soweto Festival Expo 2014 emphasises entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs form an essential component of the South African economy, contributing to job creation and to the improvement of standards of living. The government has prioritised entrepreneurship and the expansion of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in an effort to promote economic growth and development.

Promote and showcase products

The Expo Soweto residents' annual retail spending power tops R5bn but only a quarter of this finds its way back into the hands of Sowetans. The event therefore provides a vehicle for businesses in Soweto to gain a greater share of this spend, by placing local enterprises and SMMEs alongside some of the country's leading brands.

It will house over 4,000m2 of exhibition space, with over 160 exhibitors offering consumer and trade visitors a variety of goods and services, from property, finance and business services; to furniture and home appliances; health, beauty and fashion; travel and tourism; and information on both governmental and non-governmental initiatives.

"We call on all SMMEs to take advantage of this great opportunity to promote and showcase their products and services," says Rehaad James, newly appointed MD of Adele Lucas Promotions and organiser of the Soweto Festival Expo.

Support entrepreneurs

"We are proud to host such a multitude and variety of businesses at this year's Expo. The gathering of so many different areas of expertise promoting products and services to a community as large as Soweto is a perfect example of what the Expo stands for, and stimulates ongoing economic growth and success."

Gauteng Enterprise Propeller CEO, Pilisiwe Twala-Tau says, "We are partnering with Soweto Festival Expo in supporting the entrepreneurs who seek to make their mark in the South African economy. This is precisely in line with our goal to facilitate increased SMME participation in both the provincial and mainstream economies. We are pleased to be providing 125 SMMEs with exhibition space and will also work with the event organisers in mentoring the SMMEs to achieve their goals."

"We cannot wait to reveal the innovations and creativity that local businesses have to offer, and we look forward to the long-term benefits that they will reap from their participation in the Expo," says James. For more information, go to www.sowetofestivalexpo.co.za/.