Expanding the Skills and Knowledge of Small Businesses

Reflecting its continuous commitment to the development and success of its vendors, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) has launched the 7th annual  CoCT Smart Supplier Readiness Programme. Participating enterprises have the chance to become a part of a valuable platform and community on which to grow their business successfully and sustainably.

"Platforms like this are crucial to small businesses because they provide knowledge and an understanding of the skills necessary to deal with challenges that can stifle growth. I am excited to see the ideas and opportunities from the businesses taking part in this year's programme, which is proudly funded and overseen by the City," comments Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

The City of Cape Town has again partnered with procurement solutions specialist, Smart Procurement World, to offer a powerful programme geared to support and advance its suppliers, including enabling them to access new markets. “This is the seventh year that Smart Procurement World has worked with the city on its supplier readiness programme. “We are honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth, success and sustainability of small businesses, which are the lifeblood of South Africa’s economy, making a critical contribution to job creation and to the country’s GDP,” says Smart Procurement World project manager Keshni Reddy, who is heading the 2023 CoCT Smart Supplier Programme “This year's programme has been designed specifically to offer businesses the right support at the right time. There simply isn’t a better way to expand your business skills and knowledge,” she stresses.

The most successful businesses that complete the 2023 Supplier Readiness Programme will be invited to apply for just 30 places available in an enhanced programme with additional benefits. Reddy explains: “Through this value adding initiative, the city will offer its top vendors the chance to be a part of a dedicated buyer linkage scheme.

“The top 30 will receive dedicated one-year access to our market linkage programme, which introduces them to regional and national corporate buyers. They will get to attend the annual celebration cocktail and networking event and benefit from face-to-face networking opportunities with a selection of the region’s top buyers. They will have access to ‘Made in Africa’, which is an online knowledge sharing and networking event that promotes the vision of ‘buying Africa for Africa’ and showcases African businesses.”

The top businesses will also each receive a professionally edited two-minute buyer pitch video that can be used for the Smart Supplier market linkage initiative as well as for their own marketing and buyer engagements, Reddy adds.

To qualify for the City of Cape Town Smart Supplier Readiness Programme, businesses must be based in Cape Town and owned by a South African citizen. The company must have been in operation for a minimum of 18 months, it must be an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) or a Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) that is 51% black owned and managed. The business must be able to handle increased market demands and have a unique competitive advantage in the market in which it trades. The business must be a registered supplier with the Central Supplier Database as a City Vendor, have a valid Tax certificate and a valid BBBEE affidavit.

Previous beneficiaries have had high praise for the CoCT Smart Supplier Readiness Programme. “I liked the fact that the MatchUp was presented by buyers who go through the actual procurement processes and what they look for in a business,” commented Robyn London from Focus Cleaning.

Tshik Tshibwabwa from Total Hygiene Plus said that he had learnt a lot during the programme and was still learning. “The programme changed not only our perceptions but also our perspectives toward the business. We really value this initiative to better and empower small businesses in the City of Cape Town,” he stated.