Latest news with #SmallBusinessDevelopment
The South African
4 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
G20: Startup20 Engagement Group's FIVE priorities unveiled
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has unveiled South Africa's priorities for the Startup20 Engagement Group – an official engagement group under the country's G20 presidency. The minister was delivering remarks at the midterm meeting held at Birchwood in Boksburg on Monday. Startup20 serves as a platform for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to engage with G20 leaders on the challenges and opportunities they face. Foundation and alliance – with the focus on enabling policies, and ways to build a more supportive and resourced eco-system for early-stage entrepreneurs and scale-ups. Finance and investment – with the focus on addressing gaps in early-stage financing, cross-border financing, and ways to derisk investment, for underserved regions and groups like women and youth, including through pre-investment capital readiness support. Inclusion and sustainability – with the focus on circular economy models, green innovation incentives, and pre-investment business support for youth and women led enterprises to improve capital readiness. Market access – with the focus on facilitating international trade, enabling e-commerce, reforming public procurement systems and supporting regional integration Township and rural entrepreneurship – with the focus on strengthening local value chains, improving infrastructure and connectivity, and improving access to finance and eco-system support for supporting co-operatives and micro enterprises. 'Task teams made up of South African and international representatives have been established in these five priority areas. 'This Midterm Engagement Group Session provides the opportunity for these task forces together with others in the broader eco-system to develop policy recommendations that culminate in a clear programme of action to be finalised in the Startup20 Summit on 13-14 November. 'This summit in November will also include the inaugural Startup20 Awards, where the best startups and eco-system enablers from the G20 countries will be recognised. We will also, as DSBD, integrate our Presidential MSME Awards where we recognise and reward our best local talent,' Ndabeni said. She emphasised that South Africa would utilise its G20 presidency to champion 'issues of the Global South and Africa in particular, including issues of public debt, food security, market access, and the availability and cost of capital'. 'With the African Union's induction as a permanent G20 member in 2023, Africa's voice is now more prominent in global policymaking. South Africa plays a dual role: both as a sovereign G20 member and as a strategic member of the AU. As such we are well positioned to support the continent's startup and MSME agenda. 'This alignment allows for greater policy coherence, enabling South Africa to serve as a bridge between global discourse and regional development aspirations, particularly in areas such as startup financing, regulatory reform, and digital transformation,' the Minister said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Red tape, funding shortfalls and lack of data still constrain small business growth
Red tape, limited funding access, and inadequate data systems remain key challenges facing South Africa's small business sector. Addressing the National Council of Provinces' Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams told the committee that structural issues continue to constrain micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) These include limited access to finance, regulatory and administrative burdens, lack of access to competitive markets – particularly in rural and township areas – and insufficient ICT and innovation support. Ndabeni-Abrahams also flagged the absence of a centralised and up-to-date MSME database as a constraint on evidence-based policymaking and effective monitoring of support programmes. Ndabeni-Abrahams underscored the Department's alignment with the National Development Plan's target of generating 90% of new jobs through MSMEs over the long term, and said institutional reforms are aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening the Department's support models.
The South African
14-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Paul Mashatile takes John Steenhuisen on working visit to China
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to embark on a Working Visit to the People's Republic of China on Monday. He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. While there, Mashatile will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). 'In its third year, CISCE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade [CCPIT]. 'This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa-China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa's position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,' the Presidency said in a statement. South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status for the expo under the theme 'South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience'. Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards Advancing South Africa's objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework 'In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020-2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade. 'The visit is also part of the evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa-China relationship and reaffirms both countries' commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,' the Presidency's statement read. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's new business licensing policy aims to protect local interests
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has released the national business licensing policy after it was approved by the Cabinet. Image: GCIS Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has publicly released the national business licensing policy following its approval by Cabinet, with the policy looking to preserve certain sectors for South African citizens. In terms of the policy, it aims to ensure standardised and common policies across the country for business licensing. Its further objectives include delineating South Africa's sovereign right to determine the business licensing conditions for foreign nationals in line with its national interest as well as to provide for the reservation of sectors in respect of which a license may only be granted to South African citizens. It also notes that South Africa has emerged as one of the high immigrant recipient countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the resident immigrant population has increased substantially in the last three decades. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'This development has not been addressed systematically, including setting conditions under which foreign-owned businesses can operate, the skills and other attributes required of those businesses, and how they complement capabilities deficits in South Africa,' reads the policy. It states that several frameworks inform the context for South Africa's policy approach to general business licensing. Internationally, the country's membership of the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations, among others obligates adherence to rules and regulations set out in the various multilateral treaties with implications on trade regulation. Some obligations include the treatment of investors and foreign investments to the same standards as local investors and the receipt and granting of trading rights to refugees. On the accommodation of foreign nationals in the granting of general business licenses it proposes policies that have proactive provisions for the granting of licences to foreign nationals. 'The provisions should clarify the additional criteria to be met by this category of applicants guided by the Immigration Act of 2002 as amended and any other relevant legislation. Licensing authorities should also consider awareness programmes to educate both the citizens and non-nationals on the relevant criteria and promote open and harmonious trading conditions within their jurisdiction,' the policy explains. The Immigration Act sets out categories of permits available to foreign nationals and their conditions in relation to trade while through the Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management Act, a uniform system of spatial planning and land use management throughout South Africa is provided for municipalities to apply in relation to other policies such as the trading license. In traditional councils recognised by the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 2003, municipal business licensing policies may outline the manner and extent of participation by traditional leadership. This participation and consultation should be provided for with due regard to the interests of minimising red tape for micro, small and medium enterprises. The department also hopes the streamlining of licensing procedures will lead to reduced administrative burden and time required for businesses to obtain licenses, renewals or permits. In addition, through licenses to trade, entities can execute their business ventures, create jobs and revenue for the economy and pursue growth and sustainability.
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Dollar General Announces Call for Small Businesses
GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Dollar General announced a call for small businesses that seek to learn more about serving as a vendor or service provider for the Company. This call is open to companies that have not sold products to Dollar General within the past 18 months and desire to explore partnership opportunities with the Company, which operates more than 20,000 stores across the 48 continental United States. Applications will be available at from July 1-21, 2025. Virtual meetings with leaders in the DG Small Business Development (SBD) Program and merchandising teams are expected to begin in late August. Selected companies will be notified by email with the date and time of their meeting by August 1, 2025. 'We are committed to partnering with a growing network of vendors and suppliers from all backgrounds across the United States and beyond who support our efforts to provide our customers with the products they need and want at prices they can afford,' said Emily Taylor, Dollar General's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. 'We look forward to exploring ways in which we can collaborate to serve the millions of Americans who rely on Dollar General every day." The 2025 call for small businesses event builds on a multi-year initiative designed to increase engagement with a variety of small businesses. Dollar General's Small Business Development Program provides certified vendors and suppliers with, among other things: the opportunity to learn and develop through the Company's SBD Academy; resources to support product discovery; access to services that provide funding, counseling and training; financial enablement programs; and various engagement events. Examples of DG's Partnership with Small Businesses The impact of DG's SBD Program is evident through the continued acceleration and success of small businesses including: Black Paper Party: A Black-owned and women-founded company born out of a love of Black culture, Black Paper Party's founders hope to increase access to products that uplift the Black family experience during holidays and celebrations and make special occasions inclusive for all. Kiss Products, Inc.: As a global leader in professional quality beauty products and treatments, Kiss Products was founded in 1989 by John Chang, Sung Yong Chang and Won Shik Kang who immigrated to New York from South Korea in 1978. As the recipient of DG's 2024 Small Business Supplier of the Year, Kiss products are available in DG stores throughout the country. Milo's Tea Company: Founded in 1946, Milo's Tea Company is a family-owned and certified women-owned business led by Tricia Wallwork, the granddaughter of the company's founders. Milo's tea and lemonade products are available at most DG stores across the country, and the company was awarded DG's Small Business Supplier of the Year award in 2023 and 2025. Learn more about how Dollar General supports small businesses here. About Dollar General Corporation Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) is proud to serve as America's neighborhood general store. Founded in 1939, Dollar General lives its mission of Serving Others every day by providing access to affordable products and services for its customers, career opportunities for its employees, and literacy and education support for its hometown communities. As of May 2, 2025, the Company's 20,582 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and pOpshelf stores across the United States and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico provide everyday essentials including food, health and wellness products, cleaning and laundry supplies, self-care and beauty items, and seasonal décor from our high-quality private brands alongside many of the world's most trusted brands such as Coca Cola, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, General Mills, Hershey, J.M. Smucker, Kraft, Mars, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Unilever.
