The Kouga Conference Centre was abuzz with energy as Global Leadership Consultants (GLC), in collaboration with the Kouga Windfarm Community Development Trust (KWF CDT), hosted a groundbreaking Business Masterclass aimed at empowering local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
This transformative event brought together business owners, industry experts, and government representatives, all committed to fostering economic growth within the Kouga Local Municipality.
The overwhelming turnout reflected the hunger for knowledge and support among local entrepreneurs striving to scale their businesses, navigate compliance, and unlock funding opportunities.
Expert-led insights to drive business growth
The masterclass featured an impressive lineup of expert speakers from key institutions that play a pivotal role in shaping the province’s economic landscape.
Attendees gained first-hand insights from:
• Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) – Discussing funding avenues and support for rural businesses.
• South African Revenue Service (SARS) – Clarifying tax compliance and financial best practices for SMMEs.
• Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) – Highlighting available enterprise development initiatives.
• Standard Bank South Africa – Sharing key strategies for financial management and business growth.
These sessions provided SMME owners with practical tools and expert guidance to overcome challenges, secure funding, remain tax-compliant, and thrive in a competitive market.
Empowering local entrepreneurs for a sustainable future
Speaking at the event, Luphumlo Joka, Director at GLC, emphasised their mission to empower entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential business acumen and leadership skills.
“This masterclass is about more than just information-sharing; it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and fostering a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Kouga region,” said Joka.
The KWF Community Development Trust, known for its commitment to socio-economic upliftment, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring sustainable growth for local businesses.
Siyabulela Zondani, Projects Operations Officer at the Kouga Windfarm Community Development Trust, said, “Our partnership with Global Leadership Consultants is dedicated to empowering local business owners and entrepreneurs with the support and skills they need to thrive.”
“Through this initiative, we are helping entrepreneurs access funding opportunities, identify market entry points, and refine their business models with essential enterprise development skills. We are excited about the project’s impact and are committed to delivering high-impact programmes aligned with Local Economic Frameworks.”
A milestone moment for Kouga’s SMME sector
The Kouga Municipality recognises that inclusive economic growth can contribute to the alleviation of existing poverty and inequality, as well as the improvement of livelihoods for current and future generations.
Anene Jonck, the Local Economic Development Manager at the Kouga Local Municipality, said, “Through improved collaboration with external stakeholders, in both the formal and informal private sector, as well as public sector, Kouga is committed to realising its objectives for the improvement of inclusive economic growth, reduced unemployment, and reduced inequality through dynamic social mobility.”
This impact-driven initiative underscores the power of strategic partnerships in transforming local economies.
By bringing together public and private sector leaders, this masterclass has set the stage for tangible progress, ensuring that SMMEs in the Kouga Municipality are equipped to expand, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to job creation and economic development.
Laurentia George, a Takeaway business owner from St Francis Bay, described the SMME Business Funding Masterclass as a truly fruitful and productive session.
“The stakeholders provided valuable insights on how to propel our business objectives, navigate compliance requirements, and effectively approach business funding applications. I am incredibly grateful to the organisers for this empowering opportunity,” said George.
As the event concluded, attendees left inspired, informed, and ready to implement key learnings — a true testament to the power of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of local entrepreneurs.
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