Joburg Market Opportunity Centre to empower entrepreneurs

The City of Johannesburg, through the Department of Economic Development, successfully launched the much-anticipated Joburg Market Opportunity Centre in City Deep on March 9.

Entrepreneurs and SMMEs are the backbone of any economy and require effective support for their success. The City aims to establish itself as the entrepreneurial city of the future that offers concrete solutions to pressing issues such as unemployment.

During his keynote address at the launch, MMC for economic development councillor Lawrence Khoza said, “The centre is situated within the market due to the economic activities that exist.

The City has the responsibility to create economic opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs in Region F, specifically non-financial assistance on how to formalise their businesses, market products, accessing markets, compliance advice, business development training and to understand the entire value chain on how to run a successful business. All training workshops will be free of charge and participants will be issued a certificate of attendance.”

The centre identifies and earmark appropriate training workshops and will work with relevant service providers to offer SMME development programmes at the centre with the intent of:

• Offering a “single point of entry” for the SMMEs where a basket of services is being offered.
• Registration of their companies and Sars-related functions.
• Free access to Wi-Fi for business use.
• Assistance with the completion of tender documents and related issues.
• Use of meeting rooms.
• Funding research and facilitation, including funding products awareness and guidance on the application process.
• A dedicated investment desk with a business adviser.

To date, the City has 10 operational opportunity centres placed where members of the community, especially emerging small businesses across all sectors, can walk in for assistance and advice on entrepreneurship and business support issues.

Their purpose is to create an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive through the support of public-private partnerships. Another centre will be opened in Eldorado Park on March 23.

Ward 57 councillor Faeeza Chame, who attended the event, said, “We believe this centre will offer SMMEs development and growth to sustain their business. The Joburg Market is a hub of activity for both formal and informal traders who want to be assisted with developing their businesses.”