ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

25 AUGUST 2022

 

Over 38 000 businesses have participated in the Durban Business Fair (DBF) since its inception in 1998. To date, over 18 500 sustainable jobs have been created through the platform. The DBF has also elevated several businesses who have grown to become established. 

 

To continue to expose small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to opportunities, the Municipality encourages businessowners to register for the various empowerment seminars and masterclasses being offered at the DBF.

 

Empowerment seminars have made a meaningful impact on the business community through the continuous learnings, tips, bursaries, partnerships, linkages, and innovation sourced from the platform.

 

The DBF is taking place from 20 to 25 September at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and Durban Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘Connecting Durban businesses to opportunities’.

 

The DBF has grown to become one of South Africa’s biggest and most comprehensive business exhibitions. The empowerment seminars are being headlined by experienced entrepreneurs and industry role-players.

 

There will be 520 exhibitors at the exhibition which is being held from 23 to 25 September. It will also feature 290 SMMEs, an additional 77 privately sponsored SMMEs, 15 corporates, 16 government departments and entities, and three institutions of higher learning.

 

On 20 and 21 September, the 24th DBF will host a two-day business engagement which is a high-level conference where success stories of the DBF will be shared.

 

The advancement of women entrepreneurs remains top on the City’s agenda. On 22 September, a Women Economic Empowerment Engagement will be held. It will present opportunities, information, and innovations with attendees.

 

On 23 September the Youth Business Connect will present funding mechanisms available for youth as well as other opportunities available.

 

The AgriBusiness Market Day will be hosted from 23 to 25 September to highlight opportunities for farmers. This will be held alongside a three-day Creative Industry Dialogue and Tech Avenue.

 

On 25 September the Business Indaba Interfaith will be hosted.

 

The Creative Industry Dialogue is an opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents, and potential co-producers to participate in meetings, project presentations, and a series of masterclasses and workshops to learn more about the latest industry trends.

 

In addition, on 23 September, the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) masterclass will be held to capacitate SMMEs on skills development programmes such as grant funding, mentorship, and coaching.

 

Furthermore, the DBF will be connecting local businesses with over 30 representatives from African and global countries that will be exhibiting within the International Pavilion.

 

The DBF is being held simultaneously with the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). The theme of this year’s DFF is ‘Expressive expression’.

 

The DFF showcase has grown to become one of Africa’s leading fashion events and will be held at the Durban ICC from 21 to 23 September. The four-day fashion affair will be held from 21 to 24 September, and includes workshops, shows, a buyer’s lounge, and showcasing the collections of emerging and national designers.

 

Both events will honour and award excellence by hosting the DBF Excellence Awards on 21 September and the DFF Recognition Awards on 24 September.

 

During the DBF, the Flavours of Durban will be hosted. It is designed to empower the local hospitality industry promoting local cuisines and Durban flavours. It will feature over 15 chefs and host interactive cooking sessions and demonstrations.

 

Another exciting feature is an outdoor street market benefitting food and non-food vendors to sell their products. It is a diverse area with entertainment, an array of food vendors as well as vendors selling other handmade products, crafts, home décor, and accessories, etc. The street market will also feature a bar and a place for patrons to dine.

 

The Kiddiepreneur Garden will also be available at the DBF. Its aims to instil basic entrepreneurial skills in children between the ages of five and 13.

 

For more information on each vertical and to RSVP to attend any of the sessions, email: admin@lomes.co.za or call 031 266 9937 or 082 659 4937.

 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality Communications Unit.