Dream big, entrepreneurs urged

Business owners have been given the opportunity to dream even bigger than they thought possible and, one day, hopefully, offer their services on a global scale.

This is thanks to a financial assistance programme that has opened numerous doors for them.

This was made possible by Umdoni Municipality and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, which chose to come to the aid of 40 local small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs).

Financial assistance worth R1.5mil was provided through the Umdoni Business Support Programme.

The beneficiaries and members from the relevant departments gathered at Umzinto Town Hall for the handover ceremony recently.

Work equipment was handed out, as well as essentials to enable growth and concurrently create job opportunities and positively contribute towards the growth of the local economy.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Phila Thabethe was present at the ceremony and addressed the beneficiaries and guests.

“Umdoni Municipality is serious about cultivating SMMEs by offering much-required support while also creating sustainable jobs and income,” he said.

“I would like to see the businesses that benefited today offering their services nationally and even internationally one day. I would also like to see businesses tap into the ocean economy: make use of our coastal strip and gain a livelihood.”

The municipality received the Municipal Employment Initiative (MEI) grant of R1mil from the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs for the 2023/2024 financial year, and the amount of R500 000 was from the Umdoni LED Department budget.

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