Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are set to benefit from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) support as part of a new programme recently launched by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC).
The BEE Scorecard Improvement Programme (BEESIP) will assist 100% black-owned and black women-owned enterprises (BWOEs) to improve their broad based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) status levels.
“We are becoming increasingly aware of the value of high B-BBEE scores for enterprises and wanted to take bold moves to ensure that these businesses are supported so they can grow and contribute to economic development,” said Andile Ntloko, CDC supply chain manager.
“The BEE Scorecard Improvement Programme is a pilot programme to do just that, and we are launching it as part of our newly established BEE Support Desk.”
The CDC would assist by conducting preliminary BEE verification audits and formulating BEE plans. The programme will also offer hands-on support to qualifying companies at no cost
“The programme forms part of CDC’s commitment to ensuring that all disadvantaged groups are able to access opportunities within the supply chains of CDC and other public entities,” said Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC head of marketing and communications.
The CDC will be hosting information sessions on the BEESIP as part of its stakeholder outreach campaign in Port Elizabeth on October 22, East London on October 23, Umtata on October 24 and Queenstown on October 25.
These will serve to educate communities on the principles of BEE verification and raise awareness among small and medium black-owned businesses on the importance and potential of BEE status in gaining access to markets and advancing business development.
Andile Ntloko, CDC supply chain manager
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