THE Bluff National Golf Course served as the venue for local entrepreneurs and small business owners for a Ward 66 Business Empowerment Workshop on April 8. The workshop aimed to assist business owners on acquiring the necessary insights and tools to operate their ventures effectively and in compliance with regulations.

Also read: Ward 66 representatives energised by Local Economic Development Summit

The event, organised by the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Directorate’s Business Support Unit, specifically addressed the important subject of adhering to business licensing regulations.

Siyanda Dlamini, a committee member for Ward 66 focusing on skills development and job creation, spoke on the significance of the gathering. He pointed out that such an event forged a crucial connection between local businesses and the various municipal departments tasked with both regulating and offering support.

Topics of discussion

The day’s programme was structured around several informative sessions, presented by officials from various departments. Discussions covered areas such as town planning, obtaining business licences, environmental health standards, fire safety protocols, understanding supply chain management, securing liquor licences, ensuring tax compliance with SARS, and gaining perspectives from the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Among the presentations, Siphiwe Zwane’s discussion on business licensing emerged as a notable segment, particularly because it directly addressed the workshop’s central objective. His session delivered clear, practical advice on how to operate within established legal frameworks, thereby assisting business owners in understanding avenues to prevent penalties or the potential forced cessation of operations.

The workshop also offered an opportunity for questions and answers.

Importance of these workshops

“Many small businesses find themselves grappling with bureaucracy. Workshops of this nature serve to bridge that divide by providing straightforward advice, pathways to resources, and direct conversations with those who oversee these procedures,” said Dlamini.

Furthermore, he noted that beyond simply addressing compliance, the workshop fostered connections among entrepreneurs. It also exposed them to prospective avenues, including municipal supply chain processes and potential collaborations with entities like SARS and the Durban Chamber of Commerce.

Dlamini extended an invitation to those who could not attend, urging them to remain vigilant for upcoming initiatives, as the municipality frequently organises empowerment workshops tailored to elevate and assist small businesses throughout the area.

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