New green sector Initiative provides a boost to SMEs
JOBURG – Enterprise and supplier development specialists, Fetola has launched a new programme to boost Small Medium Enterprise (SME) participation in the green economy.
Partnering with financial services company, JP Morgan, Fetola’s Just Add Green SME accelerator programme kicked off in Gauteng.
According to stakeholders, the programme is the start of a long-term national strategy which will engage government, corporates and other role players who are keen to support SA’s emerging green economy.
The initiative aims to stimulate and strengthen emerging businesses to become environmentally sustainable suppliers to corporates, and successful businesses in their own right.
Catherine Wijnberg, Fetola director said, “Interest in the green economy is rapidly increasing amongst citizens who recycle, reduce energy usage and strive to eat healthier food.
“There is also a growing awareness in sustainable practices in South Africa from government, the corporate sector and finance houses alike, making this a timely initiative,” she said.
According to Wijnberg, Just Add Green SMEs will be linked to corporate supply chains that are serious about sourcing value-adding suppliers, and keen to add green, eco-friendly or organic elements to their bottom-line reporting.
The initiative provides opportunities for corporate partners who would like to support high-potential SMEs that are ripe for further investment, to satisfy both their BB-BEE performance targets (including enterprise and supplier development targets) and environmental performance targets.
Using a holistic and proven business support model developed by Fetola, SMEs will be supported in their businesses to prepare them for rapid growth and, where appropriate, entry into the corporate supply chain.
The programme will offer training, mentorship, personalised consulting support and access to business tools, templates and resources.
Chantal de Kock, project manager at Fetola said, “We are seeing increasing numbers of green SMEs approaching us to join our acceleration programmes, seeking long-term solutions to growing pains such as lack of systems, costing and pricing challenges, poor sales, staff productivity problems and the like.
“That is why we have partnered with JP Morgan as part of their drive to stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation in SA.”
Small businesses based in Gauteng that have a green sector or sustainability focus, and have been in operation for at least nine months are invited to apply. There are 25 places available in the first phase of the programme.
The application process is open until 8am on 17 August.
Interested candidates are invited to visit Fetola’s website for more information on how to apply, or contact Amanda Dinan.
Details: 0861111690; adinan@fetola.co.za
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