South Durban Basin SMME Fair 2008

01 April, 2008

On the weekend of 18-20 April 2008  the South Durban Basin SMME Fair will be held at the Umlazi Mega-City for the second year in a row.  What promises to be a successful event will draw 200 SMMEs from different sectors to showcase their services and provide networking opportunities between SMMEs and national, provincial and local support agencies.
 
According to Noma Sokhela, SDB Local Economic Development Manager, the SDB Regional Fair, over the last three years has successfully created a platform for SMMEs to market services and products their businesses have to offer. Furthermore, it will give SMMEs information on strategies, developments, agencies, structures and programmes that exist for their support. 
 
She said “one of the SMME Fairs’ objectives is to provide critical information to improve and sustain business operations, such as access to finances, opportunities and information about government tenders and general business management related information.  We put emphasis on these crucial areas to enable businesses to grow and run smoothly in a long run”, added Sokhela.
 
Lee D’Eathe, SDB Area Manager said” the focus is to ensure that over and above exhibiting and selling their products, small businesses are able to establish strong and sustainable  business and skills linkages with other companies and institutions.  The South Durban Basin, as a key industrial area is a home to many SMMEs and the regions main industrial powerhouse. 
 
He said “the exhibition provides a platform for industry role-players on either end of scale to interact and do business with each other.  In conclusion I would like to acknowledge the partnership and support we have been given by Business Support Unit and the Economic Development Department of eThekwini Municipality, the Durban Investment Promotions Agency and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry who made it possible for us to hold the Fair in 2008, said D’Eathe.
 
In order to secure a space SMMEs are expected to pay a commitment fee of R200 whilst big businesses and others are charged a reasonably fee of R2000. Registration and payment deadline is the 5th of April and setting-up will commence on 17 April from 10am-4pm.  Most importantly, dismantling of shell-schemes will be done on the 21st of April
 
Should you be interested in knowing more about booking space, advertising, sponsorships and partnership opportunities, please contact Ukhamba Lwembiza on (031) 201 5688 / 301 8178.  
 

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