About R1.4 million has been invested since 2006 in the training of SMMEs under the City of Johannesburg's SMME Export Promotion Project, reports Joburg.org.
The project is part of the long-term objectives of the city's Department of Economic Development to promote inward investment and to expand the volume and value of exports.
According to the municipality's Deputy Director of Trade and Investment, Majahezansi Ngcobo, 154 SMMEs took part in export training courses in 2007 and 2008.
These SMMES were drawn mainly from the construction, agriculture, craft and design, fashion, hospitality, medical, mining, and services sectors.
Before the courses began, a questionnaire was sent to all the groups asking them what topics they needed to have covered.
"The focus was on SMMEs that had the potential to enter the export market or the capacity to expand existing trade links, with appropriate institutional support," Ngcobo explained.
While the training was available on a non-discriminatory basis, there was a specific focus on SMMES that had black economic empowerment credentials, such as those owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities.
"Of the 154 SMMEs that have [been] trained, 71 were women [owned] and 127 from historically disadvantaged communities ... We dedicated a lot of our time and resources to mentoring them and preparing them for the export experience outside the South African borders."
He added that the participants were at different levels of export readiness and still needed guidance.
In 2006, the city partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide trade promotion services and infrastructure for emerging and established exporters.
The chamber's services included gathering market intelligence, facilitating product and export development and providing trade-related training and mentoring.
Ngcobo said the next stage was to ensure that SMMEs increased their participation in export-related activities such as international trade exhibitions and outward missions.
"We are seeking alternative sources of funding from international developmental organisations to assist with the funding of SMMEs to participate in international-related activities."
So far, 55 of the SMMEs that took part in the project have participated in international exhibitions.
"This has given the participants an opportunity to gain vital international exposure and to exploit business opportunities availed to them," Ngcobo said.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
