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2021 Planning - How to Start Applying for ESD Programmes

ESD programmes and what it takes to become part of one. 

3 Things you should know about ESD programmes (courtesy of Hasnayn Ebrahim, founder and CEO of strategi exe): 

1. The first step is to find and understand the programme that you would like to enter. Is there a corporate you have always wanted to work with? Do your research, you would be surprised by how many corporates have such programmes. 

2. Find out the requirements that each programme has set for SMEs to comply with. What will they want from you?

3. Know what to expect. Typically you receive support in

the form of funding, mentorships, specialist support, access to the market etc.

Also…

Remember, applications for

SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme

(SMEs) close end of September – this is a two-year business support programme that offers seed funding and assistance with access to markets.

 

In this week’s newsletter:

- Everything you need to know about ESD Programmes. 

- Local travel trends in celebration of Tourism Month.- We've updated our Privacy Policy.

Stay safe and healthy.

Quote of the Week

“Always be a risk-taker … Forget about looking for the next best thing – simply become it!” - Mari-Louise Candiotes

Everything You Need to Know About ESD Programmes

1. Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) Guide

We answer your FAQs including ‘What is ESD in a nutshell?’ and ‘What are the advantages of getting into a supplier development programme for SMEs?’ READ MORE

2. Enterprise and Supplier Development – How to Secure Your Spot in a Good Programme

Find out what corporates are looking for in an ESD partner, what a good proposal should look like, and where to find programmes. READ MORE

3. The Ultimate List of ESD Programmes in SA

We have compiled some of the country’s biggest ones – from retail and mining to transport and financial services. READ MORE

4. Moving Enterprise and Supplier Development Beyond Box-ticking

Get info on successful ESD programme examples and why they work, as well as what the advantages are for corporates that implement a supplier development programme. READ MORE

5. What You Need To Know About Working with Old Mutual

Find the company’s various interventions and funds PLUS how to draft the perfect email to their procurement department. READ MORE

6. Enterprise and Supplier Development –

8 Mistakes SMEs Are Making

Find out what mistakes to avoid and also what the solutions are to these mistakes that others have made. READ MORE

3 COVID-19 Travel Trends to Get Excited About!- Rural tourism, road trips and domestic travel are the top trends in a post-Covid world.- Tourists choose to frequent smaller tourism establishments to avoid crowds.- Road trips rather than flying provide opportunities for individual travel guides, shuttle services, and one-person operators. Let's support local! Start with our list of 30 tourism SMEs you should frequent. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST

The following content is paid for by The Innovator Trust.

Are you a woman- or youth entrepreneur with a business idea in the ICT sector?

Register NOW to apply to the Youth Entrepreneurial Programme (YEP) for 2021. The Innovator Trust’s YEP programme will provide you with practical skills, facilitated training and mentorship support required for young business owners who are just starting with the outcome to stimulate job creation and drive innovation among ICT-focused small businesses. 

The minimum requirements are:– A company defined in South Africa as an SMME, QSE or EME– Must be operational and trading for 2 or more years– The business should be at least 51% black-owned– A minimum Level 1 – 4 BBBEE status according to the DTI or ICT Codes– The business must be a registered company with key focus in ICT– Latest annual financial statements– Companies with the potential, vision and desire to grow APPLY HERE

Let Us Guide You On Your Next Tech Purchase 

The South African market of small and medium-sized businesses– many of them not accepting any form of plastic payment at all – is estimated to be around a million potential customers. 

Did You Know  POS systems are popularly used in retail- and hospitality sectors, POS systems are best used for inventory management. 

The Benefits of using a POS (point of sale) system: 

  • It can speed up the checkout process and also help you to save and organize your sales data.  

  • Store customer contact information and;  

  • Generate reports to analyse your business’ performance. 

The Top 4 POS systems we recommend for your business: 

  1. iKhokha

  1.  Yoco

  1. Sureswipe 

  1. Ukheshe 

Grow your business with an iKhokhacard machine

About: iKhokha provides a range of card machines and point-of-sale systems that allow users to accept card payments.Features:

Ikhokha’s online suite of tools allows businesses to get reports and analytics, view settlements and manage refunds, manage products and staff, and access working capital within three months of trade. 

Participate in This SME Study for SME Owners, Business Managers & Employees

This post is sponsored by the North-West University

The North-West University (NWU) is inviting SMEs to participate in a qualitative SME study.

Selected participants (SME owners, Business managers or SME employees) will receive an R200 data bundle or a digital shopping voucher.