eThekwini Municipality - REGISTER NOW FOR DURBAN BUSINESS FAIR 20152015-08-14 THE positive impact of the Durban Business Fair (DBF) to the development of small businesses continues to inspire the Municipality to host this longest existing business trade exhibition in Africa each year without fail.
The City is gearing up to host the 17th DBF on 13-18 October at Durban Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘Connecting Durban Business Fair Globally’. Businesses that want to be part of this year’s exhibition are urged to register early to secure their space in what will be the biggest and better event. Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala said: “The DBF attracts more than 15 000 visitors across Africa therefore it is the great instrument for every small businesses to be exposed, market their products, source relevant information that can grow their business, create business linkages and source potential buyers.†She said that this year’s DBF will be at another level as eThekwini has partnered with the City of New Orleans in the United State of America (USA) to bring the biggest three day Essence Empowerment Festival to run concurrently with the DBF programme. “This is one of our efforts in ensuring that women entrepreneurs are connected internationally. The festival will consist of empowerment seminars, career guidance, parenting corner, youth desk, entertainment that will include exchanging knowledge via international and local filmmakers, music, fashion, beauty and many more,†said Shabalala. She added that this will also boost local vendors as a certain number of women owned businesses will be selected to trade inside the festival. Shabalala said the City has already invested more than R100 million to the small business development programme since its inception, which was proof of the City’s dedication to boost small businesses as the whole country depends on them to create employment, alleviate poverty and grow the economy. “The good news is that we are starting to enjoy the returns of our investment as an estimate of 8000 jobs have been created through the DBF and a collective of 25 businesses that participated in the DBF last year makes an estimated R75 million annual turnover which is evidence that this platform is significant for their growth,†said Shabalala. Shabalala stated that nothing thrills her more than hearing a successful entrepreneur testifying about the critical role played by the DBF and other Municipality’s business mentoring trainings towards their journey to success. “The Municipality will continue creating a participatory environment for the businesses to access growth opportunities therefore I urge every entrepreneur to grab such opportunities with both hands because every big business started small,†concluded Shabalala. Space is limited, register now to avoid disappointments. For bookings businesses can contact: Sbonelo Vilakazi on 031 311 4500 or email: sbonelo.vilakazi@durban.gov.za. The closing date for applications is 28/08/2015. END Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Head of Communications, Tozi Mthethwa. For more information members of the media can contact Sanelisiwe Shandu on 031 311 4806 or email sanelisiwe.shandu@durban.gov.za or Nonduduzo Ngcongo on 031 311 4815 or email nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za |
eThekwini Municipality - REGISTER NOW FOR DURBAN BUSINESS FAIR 2015
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