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	Business Support There are many organizations in South Africa that offer support to all types of business entities. These organizations further recognise that in order to combat the high unemployment level and its related problems, the small, medium and micro-enterprise sector in South Africa needs to be developed. In order to unravel the potential of businesses in these sectors, the dti recognizes that support in the form of advice from specialist organisations is vital and the following topics cover the various support groups available to South African businesses. Women Entrepreneurs Women are a key group in the South African business sector. South Africa recognises the invaluable potential and contribution that women can make to the economic sector of South Africa. Inequities however do still exist, but the drive to acknowledge women formally in the work environment is crucial. Women can therefore access several established organisations through this website in order to learn more about how to capitalise on their role in the South African economy. Read more about the initiatives that the dti is involved in with respect to the field of technology and women. Read more about another key initiative that the dti is involved in, namely, SAWEN - a group of women entrepreneurs who are mobilized under the SAWEN umbrella in order to ensure that South women entrepreneurs have a vehicle through which obstacles in business can be overcome. Young Entrepreneurs "The youth of our country are a valued possession of our nation. Without them, there can be no reconstruction and development programme. Without them, there can be no future." Nelson Mandela - May 1994 This quote captures the need for South African business to recognize the critical role that young entrepreneurs can play in the economic sector of South Africa. The youth need to be mobilised and encouraged to contribute meaningfully to the South African economy. The "Related Information" link offers a range of useful links to organisations that have the expertise in this arena. Related Information Where to get help Small business promotion and development is the responsibility of business, government and labour. It is the key to substantial job creation, the creation of wealth and redistribution of wealth. The government strategy for Small Business Promotion was published in 1995 and has resulted in the creation of a National Institutional Framework for the creation of an enabling environment for small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The Department of Trade and Industry: Centre for Small Business Promotion is responsible for the implementation of the National Small Business Strategy. Related Information Retail Financial Intermediaries Loans can be sought from various intermediaries in South Africa. These intermediaries are categorised by province. Click on the "Related information" link to access further information. Related Information Labour Environment and Legislation Understand the rules of the game for employing staff. It is easy to offer a job to a person, but a lot of work to comply with all the legal requirements. Reversing the employment process can be very difficult and mistakes can be very costly. Related Information Training and Consultants Learn a substantial quantity of know-how and skills by dedicating time to training courses or alternatively from more substantial educational courses (on a part time basis). Access information on online training courses, organisations that offer various forms of training, business courses such as micro MBAs, industry-specific training and distance education. Related Information Events Access information on various business events, exhibitions, trade shows, training seminars and international conferences. Related Information Trade and Investment The Trade and Investment Development Programme (TIDP) funded by the European Union is a project of Ntsika Enterprise Promotion Agency. The programme is assisting South African businesses in the small, medium and micro (SMME) sector to develop their competitiveness so that they can participate and compete in the international marketplace. Read more Service Providers Instead of doing it yourself, why not contract someone else to do it. You avoid committing yourself to overheads and the problems associated with employing a specialist. You can get access to specialist skills on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, as and when it suits you and you can terminate it at any time. Related information Industry Sector Organisations There are various industry sector organisations in South Africa that have been formed to assist small, medium and micro-enterprises with issues relating to the specific industry. Read more
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