Over 100 small business owners from across Nelson Mandela Bay gathered this week for a hands-on workshop designed to help them navigate the complex world of funding, municipal processes, and business support.
Held at the Mendi Arts Centre on Tuesday, 10 May, the workshop brought together officials from various municipal departments, including Supply Chain Management, Human Settlements, and the Office of the COO. The goal? To clarify what support is actually available to SMMEs and how to access it.
Councillor Bassie Kamana, who heads Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA), said the Metro is serious about strengthening small businesses. “We’re working on making it easier for SMMEs to find the support they need, where they live,” he told attendees. One of the key takeaways was the Municipality’s plan to roll out SMME hubs in different parts of the city—spaces where local entrepreneurs can access training, get connected to funders, and find real pathways into the economy.
These hubs, according to Kamana, are part of a broader attempt to address unemployment and open up sectors like tourism, agri-processing, ocean economy, and automotive to more local players.
Wandisile Makwabe, acting head of the EDTA Directorate, outlined what’s already on offer—including training programmes, tender support, and help for businesses just starting out. But for many entrepreneurs, the real value of the day came from being able to speak directly to officials and highlight what’s not working.
One clear message from participants: support needs to be closer to the ground. Many called for municipal help to be decentralised, so that business owners don’t have to travel across the city or deal with red tape to get the basics.
In response, Kamana said the Metro is actively working with other government agencies to make these SMME hubs a reality. “It’s not just about talking—we need action, and we need it to happen at community level,” he added.
The workshop follows a similar message from Mayor Babalwa Lobishe at a recent Youth in Agriculture event, where she spoke about the importance of supporting emerging businesses as a way to address inequality and unemployment in the Bay.
For many local entrepreneurs, the day offered something rare: direct answers, real connections, and the chance to be heard. It’s not a fix-all, but it’s a step.
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