The Durban Business Fair continues to infuse growth and sustainability through the extension of the programme to communities at grassroots level. This significant event will now be expanded to all three regions within eThekwini Municipality by reviving the Regional Durban Business Fairs, which will be held prior to the main Durban Business Fair scheduled for 19 â€" 21 September 2014 at Durban Exhibition Centre.

This is a direct response to the growing interest in the Fair from businesses within eThekwini and beyond, who have been previously denied an opportunity to be part of this landmark event as it could only accommodate about 500 exhibitors.

The Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo says that the expansion of the Durban Business Fair to regional level is indicative of the growing influence and impact of the event, which has made a significant contribution to the development of the economy in eThekwini.

“We think it is befitting to revive the Regional Durban Business Fairs as we celebrate 20 years of democracy and freedom, which will enable us to facilitate broader participation in the programme. The Durban Business Fair is an important vehicle used by the City to drive business development and to create a vibrant and self-sustainable business sector,” said Nxumalo.

The Regional Durban Business Fairs will be held as follows:

•North Region will be held on 28, 29 & 30 March 2014 at the Bridge City Shopping Centre, it will feature a one-day Business Indaba.

•South Region will be on 4, 5 & 6 April 2014 at King Zwelithini Stadium. The South Region Durban Business Fair has been incorporated into the Umlazi Festival & Expo, which features Empowerment Workshops, Sports Clinics, Music Concerts and other Social Events.

•Inner / Outer West Region will be held on 11, 12 & 13 April 2014 at Hammersdale Junction, it will feature a one-day Business Indaba.

This is an opportunity for businesses within these regions to showcase their goods and services in order to access new markets and conclude business deals.

The Durban Business Fair has not just provided emerging entrepreneurs with the opportunity to promote their businesses but it has also afforded them a networking platform to interact with well established businesses, development agencies and funding institutions.

The Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, Philip Sithole says that with the launch of the Durban Business Fair while we are celebrating the momentous 20 years of democracy and freedom, we aim to showcase key achievements from this event since its inception 15 years ago.

“This year we aim to enhance some of the new innovations introduced last year such the Buyers Night, Visitors Competition etc with more focus on sector specific interventions aimed at facilitating growth and sustainability,” said Sithole

Some of the key achievements of the Durban Business Fair over the past 15 years include, the growth from about 100 to about 500 exhibitors, and on average the Fair attracts 11 000 visitors annually. The Fair has produced many success stories including an ICT business that is operating at a global level, women owned businesses that are operating at national level and businesses that are getting work from the private sector â€" not only relying on Government tenders.

Other significant achievements include the increased participation from Corporates, increased participation of businesses coming from beyond the eThekwini region, including international businesses through the Municipality’s Sister City programme.

The Municipality encourages SMMEs, cooperatives, Government departments and entities, Non-Profit Organisations and other stakeholders to make use of this opportunity and register to participate in the upcoming Fairs.

Registration is now open, and we are calling on businesses to register now as spaces are limited.

For the ease of registration exhibitors can register online on www.dbnbusinessfair.com and for regular updates join us on Facebook: Durban Business Fair and follow us on Twitter: @DBNBusinessFair.

For bookings businesses can contact:

Main Durban Business Fair: Ikhono Communications on 031 266 9937 /8 or email: info@ikhono.co.za

Regional Business Fairs: Splendid Marketing on 031 279 2360 or email: nqobo@splendidmarketing.co.za

Ends

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality. For more information contact Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820/ 0827317456 or email: Thabo1.mofokeng@durban.gov.za

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