The ASEZCo, in collaboration with Stoffberg Holdings (Pty) Ltd, hosted a two-day workshop on SMME business-certification compliance at the Saxonsea Civic Hall in Atlantis on 13 and 14 February 2024.
The workshop aimed to assist small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in achieving compliance with necessary business registration papers and accessing relevant resources to support their businesses.
Stakeholders that participated in the event included all the major banks – Standard bank, Nedbank, FNB, ABSA – that afforded the local SMMEs the opportunity to open a business bank account for the business. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) presented an online webinar covering topics on how to register a business, how to update director details and submit annual returns, and apply for a BBBee certificate for the business.
Stoffberg said most of the entrepreneurs attending were females under the age of 40 with various businesses, in mechanics, electrical, cell phone repair, hair and beauty, underwear garments, photography, sports injury rehabilitation massage and construction.
Councillor Allister Lightburn, Sub Council 1 chairperson, introduced an online portal for e-services, facilitating access to municipal resources and discussed the city’s plans, rules of engagements and processes related to procurement and projects. Lightburn motivated the entrepreneurs and advised them on the challenges and pitfalls on their journey as SMME owners.
Stoffberg Holdings Director Peter Stoffberg gave important business advice and pointers to the SMME business owners on how to manage their businesses better, with his favourite catchphrase “work on your business, work in your business and work out of your business”. Stoffberg also presented the SARS presentation on how to register the business on the SARS efiling platform and how to register the company representative onto the new SARS e-filing platform.
Vanessa Johnson outlined the Small Enterprise Development Agency’s (Seda) role in assisting SMMEs with business plans, non-financial business support and the Seda voucher support program.
The ASEZ staff assisted with various other business challenges like the central supplier database (CSD) updates, checking if all SMME details are correct and updated, and all business certification is compliant.
A dance recital was performed by the Atlantis All Stars dance group as a lunch-time entertainment item to showcase local talent.
Stoffberg said the two-day compliance workshop provided valuable insights, guidance and resources for SMMEs to enhance their compliance and operational efficiency. Those attending gained a deeper understanding of registration requirements, tax compliance and available business support services he said. ASEZCo reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local SMMEs.
