Atlantis exemplifies the wealth of economic potential of Cape Town said Alderman James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, on Wednesday 19 October at the City’s inaugural Atlantis Business Expo that showcases local small businesses and the area’s economic potential.
The expo, which was open to members of the public, showcased some of the area’s small businesses active across a range of sectors, including security, construction, catering, and business consulting.
Various public and private sector forums also hosted a series of information-sharing sessions.
“The area has long been a manufacturing industry centre and our aim is to carry that knowledge forward and connect the Atlantis community with the vast opportunities of emerging and related sectors,” said Vos.
“Our commitment to the community is made evident by its creation of the Atlantis Investment Facilitation Office (AIFO), which is tasked with helping to land and expand business opportunities in the area.” Vos said in his address to local business people “this office was instrumental to the development and construction of nine new sites which has already created hundreds of jobs with more in the pipeline once those organisations are operational”.
“The investments from these new businesses are also valued at approximately R2 billion,” said Vos.
The area has in recent years become a hive of activity in the greentech sector through the establishment of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).
In the past year four new investment projects have been approved, while a further 12, representing a potential R3 billion in capital infrastructure.
Vos added that Atlantis will be the site of the City’s first grid-connected solar plant next year as part of its interventions to end load-shedding over time.
The City has issued the tender for engineering, procurement and construction of the planned 7 MW Atlantis solar photovoltaic (PV) project.
The plant is scheduled to start generating electricity in 2024 and be in operation for 20 years, with a foreseen annual output of 14,7 GWh and is expected to result in a R47,2 million gross domestic product increase.
‘The City has been systematic and consistent in its approach to enterprise development of Cape Town’s SMMEs because industries such as greentech are still relatively new while the investment potential is massive.
“We have created the platforms to help land investments, and through our Enterprise and Supplier Development unit, we are upskilling local businesses so that they can capitalise on the opportunities presented.
“The unit has already hosted workshops in Atlantis, with 119 local businesses in attendance. And AIFO, in partnership with the local sub-council and the ASEZ Company, are also assisting SMMEs in the area with E-procurement vendor registration in order to get compliance for tenders,” said Vos.
A highlight of the expo was the handover of certificates to the exhibiting entrepreneurs, who participated in a series of workshops followed by pitches of their business plans.
“Small businesses are the engine of jobs, innovation, and investment potential. Together with industry leaders, the City is working to unlock opportunities for communities just like Atlantis and all across the Metro.”
