“Building back better” is a call to action the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has engendered through its recent construction-focused enterprise development programme.
Thirteen local businesses participated in the programme, designed to support construction businesses to scale their operations and ready themselves for infrastructure opportunities made available through local and provincial government as well as the initial development phases of the ASEZ. Over the last six months the businesses benefited from dedicated training delivered by business associates, tackling business practices, practical support in improving CIDB ratings and individual mentoring sessions.
The training is essential to the short-term plans for the ASEZ, but it also supports businesses with greater access to city-wide construction opportunities, also in the buoyant renewable energy industry.
The participants’ dedication and commitment were celebrated at the graduation ceremony held on 13 August.
Their efforts and hard work have yielded results through many opportunities presented to the cohort.
Congratulating the graduates on their achievements David Maynier, MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, said: “We are so pleased that we can provide opportunities for young people in the province through programmes like this hosted by the Atlantis SEZ.” He said from the dedication and commitment shown for the training this programme was a great success. “We are encouraged by the effort the Western Cape Government has made in empowering these construction SMMEs,” says Joseph Ruiters from the Business Associates.
“We have shown our participants and motivated them to understand how to do business in their sector in a sustainable manner while growing at the same time.”
