The community benefit organisation (CBO) sector is by far the largest and most diverse in South Africa. It makes up 8% of GDP and is able to command the expenditure of R13 billion per year with a staff 650,000 employees and volunteers. Mining, the next biggest sector, is only 6% of the economy. Yet, despite this volume and capital, the CBO sector is relatively unknown in terms of their impact and alignment with community needs. There is very little that you can buy in the commercial sector (from hair-care products, to clothes, to specialised hydraulic equipment) that isn't somewhere rated in comparison to peer offerings and the needs of the consumer. CBOs are not.
In 2001 Gavin Chait was invited as one of the judges in a large-scale, traditional, business plan competition. During the awards ceremony, at which prizes worth R1million were awarded, a previous entrant (who had not won) was given the opportunity to present his experiences. He declared, 'It is impossible to make money unless you are already rich.' Gavin felt that, if this were true, then development in South Africa would be impossible. He approached Barrie Terreblanche of Big News, a newspaper aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, with an idea. Would it be possible to start a business with only R1,000?
Enablis aims to support and assist entrepreneurs in any business sector who are advancing information and communication technology (ICT) through innovation, new product development and applications, or opening up digital connectivity and opportunities. The Enablis Business Report ICT Entrepreneur Challenge offers 10 winning entrepreneurs a total of R5-million in possible financing by way of loan guarantees, R50,000 each in specialized, expert business assistance and advice, as well as a range of great business prizes including computers, printers and software.
Proudly South African launched their 'Homegrown Awards' in late 2004, a new initiative to celebrate the best Proudly South African companies and products and the people behind them. The annual awards programme. According to CEO Martin Feinsten, the award is intended to 'shine the spotlight on Proudly South African member companies who are making a real contribution to the promotion of South African innovation, employment, exports and consumer choice.'
South Africa's post-Apartheid economy was distorted with significant youth unemployment. Stimulating economic development required a combination of new financial models, scalable capacity-building, and new market development. Business Beat was one of South Africa's most successful economic initiatives.
With near 40% unemployment in the Western Cape, the local Government recognised the potential of tourism to play a significant role in job creation. They wish to undertake a comprehensive survey of towns and regions across the Western Cape, including of all socio-economic demographics, to assess what potential exists, and how the Government of the Western Cape may play a supportive role.
