The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Accelerator has driven more than R41-million in new sales, generating an estimated 359 new jobs in the local chemicals industry, since its launch in 2019.

Established through a partnership between the DCC and the eThekwini municipality's Economic Development Unit (EDU), the accelerator was designed to fast-track SME participation in industrial supply chains.

Over the past five years, it has facilitated 96 SME development journeys, connected 33 companies to major industry players through market access initiatives and unlocked 54 commercial opportunities.

“For every R1 invested in the accelerator, R4 in new business has been generated each year. The accelerator’s achievements reflect a genuine partnership between the public and private sectors and uplifts entrepreneurs, strengthens supply chains and supports industrial growth,” says eThekwini municipality EDU head Takalani Rathiyaya.

The support of firms in the industry, including NCS Resins, H&R South Africa, Sherwin-Williams, FFS Refiners and SAPREF, is crucial to the programme’s success. The companies have funded the initiative and opened up their procurement pipelines to qualifying SMEs.

Their participation has been key in translating capacity-building into real commercial contracts, he says.

“The accelerator has shown what is possible when the private sector works hand in hand with government to build a stronger economy. The milestone achievement is owing to the people behind the businesses, the mentors who backed them and the companies that opened their doors to new suppliers,” says DCC Accelerator chief facilitator Meghan King.

Further, applications for the new intake are open and the deadline for applications is May 19.

This year’s participating firms are searching for suppliers with specific capabilities in chemicals manufacturing, waste management and recycling for feedstock, including e-waste, plastic and hazardous solids and liquids.

Companies are also looking for suppliers with capabilities in isotainer heating and transportation, industrial laundry services, AI overlays and data analytics, social media management and multimedia specialists, on-site security and access control services, she says.

“The opportunity to build resilient, inclusive supply chains is enormous, and initiatives like the Accelerator are helping to turn that opportunity into reality,” King comments.