The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) celebrated entrepreneurs and small scale farmers across the Cape Winelands during certificate ceremonies from 24-26 June to honour their achievements.
More than 90 entrepreneurs and farmers in the Drakenstein, Breede Valley, Langeberg, Witzenberg, and Stellenbosch areas have been part of CWDM’s Entrepreneurial Seed Fund and Small-Scale Farmer/Agro-Processing Programmes for the past three financial years.
This programme is one of the key initiatives by the district municipality to empower Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), emerging small-scale farmers, cooperatives, and agro-small businesses. It provides essential grant funding to help recipients establish and grow their ventures. In collaboration with local municipalities and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, beneficiaries are identified and supported annually.
A cornerstone of this support is the CWDM Mentorship Development Programme, facilitated by NLT Investments. This initiative offers comprehensive training in business planning, marketing, and financial management, equipping participants with the skills needed for sustainable success.
In the Breede Valley 18 businesses received support, and in Drakenstein 14 businesses and two women-owned agricultural businesses were supported, in Langeberg 14 businesses and four agricultural businesses benefitted, in Stellenbosch ten businesses and five farmers received support and in Witzenberg 12 businesses, two farmers, and one agro-processing beneficiary were assisted.
The SMMEs ranged from food vending, salons, construction, laundry services, tyre services, printing and administration to dressmaking. On the agricultural side, beneficiaries include cattle, pig, and vegetable farmers, as well as vineyard preparation and wine bottling enterprises.
One of the beneficiaries from the Breede Valley Municipality, was selected by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and the Chinese Culture & International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC) to participate in a six-month International Support Programme in China. This initiative offers registered and trading SMMEs a unique opportunity to gain global exposure and experience. Beneficiaries are eligible to reapply for funding after a three-year period.
“These programmes are about building sustainable futures and resilient communities,” said councillor Koos Steyn of Economic Development at the CWDM.
