WITH small business owners smiling at their boost in sales while international trade deals were sealed, this year's 21st Durban Business Fair (DBF) themed “Journey to Innovation” was undoubtedly a resounding success.

 

The Fair was held between 25 and 29 September at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre.

 

The street market alone, set-up in Walnut Road which had 14 food vendors, was constantly buzzing and recorded sales of over R350 000 in three days. Among the local businesses to benefit was Sika Khumalo of Fezah Wines which was started in 2015 and produces red and white wine and is located in Magabheni.

 

Khumalo was randomly identified from among the attendees during a women economic empowerment engagement seminar to market her business for 90 seconds. Her impassioned pitch impressed the audience so much so that Khumalo was invited to do radio and television interviews afterwards. This resulted in her receiving a number of orders for her product from restaurants, chefs, bars and even an invite to a business expo that markets liquor and attracts approximately 150 000 people.

 

She said days after the DBF ended orders are still streaming in. “Words are failing me at this moment to express my gratitude. The platform the DBF has given me has resulted in the best exposure and growth for emerging businesses such as mine,” she said.

 

Furthermore, a business delegation from Réunion Islands sealed a deal to export locally manufactured cupboards to the island country.

 

Durban, in turn, will import spices.

 

Not only was the value of the Fair tallied in a boost to businesses’ coffers, the skills transfer and knowledge sharing during masterclasses created a stimulating environment for future business leaders to be inspired. And the more than 20 000 people attending the Fair were left empowered from the various platforms such as business engagements and masterclasses with the DBF cementing itself as Durban's largest and longest running Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises business fair.

 

In his closing remarks, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Sipho Kaunda said: “The business fair was a huge success based on the number of people who attended and supported local businesses. It was a success because of the many deals that were sealed both locally and internationally.”

 

For more information about the Durban Business Fair, visit our digital platforms www.dbnbusinessfair.com; Facebook page: @Durban Business Fair; Twitter: @DBNBusinessFair or Instagram: Durban_Business_Fair.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220