CCDI Connect offers creative SMMEs an outlet to corporate, government buyers

CCDI Connect draws on the many years of experience the CCDI has accrued with its previously operated Order Facilitation Service.

“CCDI Connect facilitates the procurement of uniquely designed, locally made products and services from some of South Africa’s brightest design stars, emerging talent and creative entrepreneurs that we work with. It works to promote responsible sourcing by connecting corporate, government and individual buyers with small manufacturers who have high social impact in job creation and low carbon footprints,” says Portia Masiyiwa of CCDI Connect.

“We work with carefully vetted small businesses to ensure the highest product quality standards and on-time delivery and to grow market share for creative businesses. Our catalogue, featuring a wide range of beautiful market-ready products from our extensive database of talented designers, can be accessed through our website. We are inviting buyers from all over South Africa to support local creative businesses by connecting with us.”

The online catalogue currently features over 170 products and is set to grow substantially during 2017, as more producers across the country sign up. The product categories covered include corporate and promotional gifts; fashion and jewellery; textiles and soft furnishings; furniture and décor; ceramics; health and beauty; and conference stationery and accessories.

Moreover, for those buyers looking for something unique, CCDI Connect offers a bespoke custom-designed product service that includes an end-to-end solution to meet the client’s specific needs – a useful service for corporate events or developing a range of personalised corporate gifts.

“We have already hit the ground running by managing the ‘Buy Local, Go Green’ initiative, which enables the Western Cape government to source locally produced gift and event related products through a single channel. This is an exciting opportunity for us as it puts us on the forefront of supporting the development and sustainability of small businesses,” says Masiyiwa.

“We believe that CCDI Connect opens up the opportunity for buyers to participate in the greater movement towards social responsibility and development of the South African economy through the development of SMMEs.”