The first two days cosmetics SMMEs Workshop, that was organised jointly by the department of Trade and Industry (the dti), and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) in Gauteng, has called for such workshops to be rolled-out to other provinces.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe encouraged small entrepreneurs to formalise and grow their businesses. She said they can amongst others do that by accessing the financial and non-financial support that government and it’s agencies offer. Thabethe said that the formalisation would enable the small entrepreneurs to penetrate the formal sector and access the export markets.
The Deputy Minister said that the cosmetics sector is an important contributor to the economy of the country.
‘The latest estimated contribution to the manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) is 1%, and a study commissioned by the dti estimated the contribution of the sector to be R25,3 billion at retail level. This estimate excluded the contribution of the informal sector, which is not measured,’ said Thabethe.
The cosmetic workshop was addressed by industry associations, incubators, government funded financial and non-financial agencies. The attendance at the workshop exceeded expectations, and the feedback from participants was that valuable information was provided, for the future growth of their businesses.
The courses presented addressed issues of business planning, financial management, branding and marketing and barcoding. Due to the useful and business oriented information that was provided, the participants felt that other small entrepreneurs outside Gauteng province should also be catered.
The same workshops are being planned for Kwa-Zulu Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape in the current financial year. Other provinces will be catered for in the next financial year.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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