Unlocking the potential of the Sarah Baartman District, Halalisana Township Incubator (HTI), a pioneering Non-Profit Company in Humansdorp, is dedicated to stimulating local economic growth. Through knowledge sharing, resource mobilisation, and facility access, HTI equips entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes with the tools to thrive, fostering a vibrant and resilient community.
CEO, Angela Hendriks, said that after registering as an NPC in 2022, HTI formally launched operations in July this year, offering vital business support services.
She said that HTI is a business incubator that operates with funding from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
Hendriks further said that SEDA plays a crucial role in the establishment of HTI and supports the incubation of up to 30 small local business entrepreneurs.
“This funding allows us to offer comprehensive resources and mentorship aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of these businesses,” said Hendriks.
She said that for entrepreneurs who do not meet the stipulated criteria required by SEDA for on-boarding into their incubation programme, there are various alternatives available.
Further elaborating on the various options, she said that businesses can explore opportunities to participate in the programmes at a cost, or they can seek support through private sector investments.
“At Halalisana, our mission is to create an inclusive environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their funding situation, and to empower them with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive business landscape.”
Hendriks further outlined the structured programme which required eligible businesses to begin by attending informative sessions, followed by a thorough assessment to identify specific areas of need.
“Once on-boarded, these businesses have free access to HTI’s facilities for one year, enabling them to allocate resources efficiently by reducing operational costs while focusing on growth and development in a safe environment,” said Hendriks.
Although HTI is based in Humansdorp, she said that their services extend beyond municipal boundaries, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses across the entire Sarah Baartman District.
Co-founder, Jonathan Kettledas, said that HTI offers three types of services, business development, skills development, and community development.
He further highlighted their state-of-the-art facilities, which feature hot desks for flexible productivity, private office spaces for focused work, conference rooms for meetings, high-speed internet connectivity, and collaborative co-workspaces for innovation and networking.
“HTI gives businesses exposure to knowledge, mentorship, and facilities they did not previously have access to,” said Kettledas.
“We aim to empower businesses through exposure because exposure is the only way to understand new ways of doing things which enables businesses to grow.”
Hendriks said that young people in Humansdorp face significant challenges, with rising gangsterism and teenage pregnancy rates eroding their hope for a better future.
To combat this, she said that HTI offers vital support to foster community prosperity.
“We focus on driving economic growth by fostering business innovation which ultimately benefits the community, improves the lives of the residents, and invests in the next generation,” said Hendriks.
She said that empowering local entrepreneurs is crucial for revitalising the town’s economy.
Hendriks said that by supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth, they can create an attractive environment for investment opportunities, ultimately driving transformation in Humansdorp.
She further said that HTI has identified a significant number of informal businesses operating in Kouga.
To support their growth, Hendriks said that they assist business registration services at a reduced cost, helping entrepreneurs’ transition to formal operations.
Since opening its doors just three months ago, she said that HTI has already celebrated numerous successes.
Hendriks said that a standout achievement is their recent support for a beekeeper in Clarkson in the Kou-Kamma Municipality.
She said that HTI was able to help the entrepreneur build new beehives and attract potential investors.
“We have had many successful encounters with local businesses in a short period,” said Hendriks.
For more information email angela@halalisana.africa.
