The City of Cape Town is calling on Cape Town-based small, medium-sized and micro-enterprises (SMME) in the clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (CTFL) sector to apply now to participate in “Origin8: From Start-up to Scale-up”, a programme designed and administered by the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) and funded by the City.
The programme, which is the first of its kind, aims to expose SMMEs to major national retailer requirements, helping them to bridge the gaps that exist in their business to align better with industry standards and customer expectations, explained Alderman James Vos, Mayco Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town.
He added: “the City is proud to partner with the CCTC on the Origin 8 programme, and this partnership is designed to empower start-ups and scale-ups in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather sectors with the insights to meet big customers requirements.”
Through this collaboration the City is committed to helping these businesses on their journey to showcase their potential and scaling their business, said Vos.
The roll-out of the programme includes two key events. On 21 January 2025 there will be a workshop offering SMMEs the opportunity to engage directly with major national retailers and gain valuable insights into the critical questions that customers ask when assessing new suppliers, and the common challenges to unlocking procurement opportunities.
The SMME participants will also be equipped with practical tools to align their business offerings with customer expectations better and more effectively showcase their potential, Vos said.
This will be followed by a half-day guided factory tour on 22 January 2025, where SMMEs will have the chance to observe world-class manufacturing and best practices in action.
Courtney Barnes, Chief Facilitator of the CCTC, stated the importance of the cluster’s commitment to enhancing the Western Cape’s clothing, textile, footwear and leather industries.
“As retailers look to diversify their sourcing and onshore products,” she said, “it is critical that the local value chain has the capacity and capabilities to respond. This means we need a strong pipeline of future suppliers. We are launching the CCTC Origin8 programme to fast-track this pipeline development and ensure that small businesses have a compelling value proposition to potential customers.”
Why should you apply
With the Origin8 programme, participants can expect to: . Gain insight into customer expectations: Learn the crucial questions and requirements that drive decision-making for big customers when they’re assessing new suppliers. . Sync your strategy with industry demands: Join a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry leaders to ensure your offering is what major customers really want. . Equip yourself for smart, sustainable expansion: Get your hands on tailored resources and tools designed to help you scale strategically, focusing on genuine customer needs rather than arbitrary upgrades. . Expand your industry connections: Seize opportunities to forge meaningful connections with potential customers and industry peers through engaging interactive sessions and dedicated networking events.
Who should apply?
CCTC Origin8 is open to all SMEs in the CTFL sector – from garment and footwear manufacturers to screening, printing and embroidery services – in Cape Town and surrounds, with over two years of trading experience, employing 10 or more people, and with an annual turnover between R2 million and R50 million.
