Small business support industry initiative Property Point says the enterprise and supplier development programme at JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties' Beacon Bay Retail Park, in East London, has supported 20 local businesses with targeted training, mentorship and access to markets.

The programme was introduced in October 2024 during a period of refurbishment and expansion at the centre, with the aim of equipping small, medium-sized and microenterprises to seize the emerging opportunities created by the development.

The programme focuses on real-world outcomes and on helping entrepreneurs become more resilient, better prepared and more competitive in the local economy. Small businesses are equipped to participate in the opportunities through compliance training, personalised mentorship and supplier-readiness support, Growthpoint says.

Business owners who participated in the programme are more confident, their systems are stronger and they are starting to secure opportunities that were previously out of reach, the company reports.

“The hands-on, two-pronged approach of support and access to opportunities is shaping a more inclusive local economy in which contractors, service providers and skilled tradespeople are better equipped to compete, win contracts and grow sustainably.

“The businesses are not only building capacity, but are also building confidence to reinvest in their teams and communities,” Property Point says.

“Investments in entrepreneurs are investments in the social and economic fabric of South Africa. These businesses grow, create jobs and spark a sense of possibility for others coming up behind them,” says Property Point founder Shawn Theunissen.

The Beacon Bay Retail Park enterprise development programme is more than a skills programme. It is a bridge to market access, financial stability and community development.

As these entrepreneurs show, when small businesses are given the right tools, they grow and inspire others to build, adapt and lead, he says.