North Regional Durban business fair empowers entrepreneurs
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Date: 2025-03-31 14:36:24

North Regional Durban business fair empowers entrepreneurs

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIARE RELEASE
31 MARCH 2025
 
NORTH REGIONAL DURBAN BUSINESS FAIR EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS 
 
The City’s signature Durban Business Fair exhibition continues to play a pivotal role in empowering small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). 
 
This platform connects SMMEs with industry role-players, new clientele, investors, financial institutions, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
 
The City this past weekend successfully held the North Regional Durban Business Fair which took place from 28 to 30 March at the Bridge City Shopping Centre. 
 
The event was well attended, with approximately 9 000 visitors eager to explore locally made products and support exhibitors.
 
The fair’s significance was amplified by its focus on empowering entrepreneurs, with a standout feature being a collaboration with New Bridge Graduate Training Institute. 
 
The partnership hosted a pitching session aimed at empowering unemployed youth aged between 18 and 35 years old to explore entrepreneurship. 
 
Participants showcased their business ideas, answering questions on their business plans. 
 
The top 10 participants were awarded Business Administration NQF Level 5 bursaries worth R50 000 each.
 
Thandeka Ntombela, one of the bursary winners from Ntuzuma, shared her excitement.
 
“This is a life-changing opportunity, and I am sure it will open many doors. Receiving this bursary will equip me with the skills needed to successfully start my own business.”
 
Ntombela said she has regularly attended the Durban Business Fair over the years, to seek new opportunities and be empowered as an emerging entrepreneur.
 
Nathi Ndlovu, National Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Manager at New Bridge Graduate Training Institute, emphasised the importance of skills development among the youth.
 
“This initiative is about equipping the youth with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Professional development plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship,” he said. 
 
Ndlovu said the selected participants will begin their studies in June at either the Pinetown or Musgrave campuses.
 
Another highlight of the fair was the Construction Development Indaba which showcased opportunities like the Bridge City-KwaMashu Safe Hub and the KwaNozaza ICT Hub. 
 
These initiatives aim to revitalise the township economy, create jobs, and offer skills to communities.
 
An inspiring Women Economic Empowerment session brought industry experts together to discuss women in business. 
 
The line-up included Happy Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer at Proudly South African and Fezile Mdletshe of Fezile Fashion Skills Academy who mentors emerging fashion designers.
 
Additionally, the Junior Chambers International launched their upcoming Africa and Middle East Conference set to take place on 21 and 22 May in Durban. 
 
The conference aims to foster collaborations across the continent.
 
Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said: “We are happy that this initiative, aimed at SMME development, continues to attract private sector interest and public support. Public-private partnerships are crucial for SMME success, contributing to economic growth and community development.”
 
ENDS
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit.