Bumper small business fair

^{Good turnout: Zama Khumalo, of Glamorous Boutique, shows Mafi Nhlumayo some of her designs during the city’s Small Business Fair at the Durban Exhibition Centre}

By Derrick Dlamini

A record crowd attended the city’s Small Business Fair, held at the Durban Exhibition Centre at the weekend. With some 350 exhibitors displaying their products and services the fair was the biggest in its nine-year history. Philip Sithole, Acting Head of the Business Support Unit (BSU), which organised the fair, said it had been a resounding success. “More than 400 delegates attended the fair’s conference, and we had 8 700 visitors. And the number of corporates that participated was more than 10 – an increase on previous years.”

Exhibitors represented all sectors of industry, from manufacturing to tourism. Among the highlights was the SMME (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise) Business Conference. Respected business experts shared tips with small business owners on how to be more competitive, accessing global markets and using procurement as a tool for empowerment.

The conference, held in partnership with Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the Durban Chamber of Commerce, also discussed the World Cup as a spur for economic growth.

Skills

Addressing small business operators and visitors, Kwa- Zulu-Natal MEC for Finance and Economic Development Zweli Mkhize said there was a grave need for a skills revolution and gave the assurance that the partnership between government institutions and the private sector would continue to empower small businesses. “We need to focus our investment on emerging entrepreneurs to develop a skilled society.”

Mkhize said there were still difficulties facing the sector, including a skills shortage, finance, infrastructure, management and market regulations. “There’s a need to develop a regional facility catering for all small businesses to deal with these challenges.” City Manager Michael Sutcliffe urged small businesses to grasp opportunities offered by the World Cup.

“Start thinking big and strive to improve the quality and quantity of your products and services,” he said. Sutcliffe advised SMMEs intending to sell products during 2010 not to use Fifa logos and to respect the world football governing body’s rules aimed at stamping out “ambush marketing”. Business owners could, however, use the phrase “Durban 2010” as it was an official host city, he said.

The BSU’s Bruce Buthelezi stressed the significance of emerging entrepreneurs changing their mindset from one of dependency to one of a merchant. “The onus is on you to pursue and hone your entrepreneurship skills. You are no longer the tool carriers but are merchants in your own right,” Buthelezi said. The presence of Phil Cole, of the Leeds City Council, offered entrepreneurs an pportunity to network with overseas markets.

Top businessman Thami Mazwai told businesses to adopt a more aggressive approach to global markets. “This is not only an economic necessity, but it lets you take your place in the community of nations as equals. Let the world know that South Africa is home to quality goods, services and knowledge,” he said. Adding glamour to this year’s fair was a fashion show by Sweety-Nu 4U models, who paraded creations by emerging fashion designer, Thandeka Xaba, turning the aisles of the exhibition centre into a catwalk.

Bead’ifferent Jewellery Enterprise’s Thandeka Mchunu described the fair as a unique business occasion. “The amount of exposure, business contacts and linkages were amazing. What I’ve gathered during these three days will set me working on business ventures for the next five years and beyond,” said a delighted Mchunu. First-time exhibitor Sachun Pillay, co-owner of Food-On- Wheels, said: “This really sets you up for bigger opportunities. The municipality and government must be commended.”
dlaminisd@durban.gov.za