City to build micro malls for developing businesses

18 May 2016

 

Atotal of 60 start-ups from across Johannesburg are this year expected to be selected for intensive business training and funding under the R50-milllion Jozi My Beginning Community Innovation Fund to expand their businesses, help create employment and grow the city’s economy.

 

The City of Johannesburg has over the past few weeks been hosting a series of information-sharing sessions in the various regions, calling on all entrepreneurs and start-ups to come up with creative business ideas with the potential to change their lives and positively impact on their communities.

On Tuesday May 17, the programme’s facilitators were in Region B – at the Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre in Montclare and Windsor East Recreation Centre in Windsor East – to inspire residents to enter the competition, which closes at midnight on Friday May 27. In its first season, the competition, launched in November 2015, drew a total of 2 003 entries.

After being scrutinised by a panel of independent judges, 161 viable ideas were identified, 65 entrants underwent business training and 18 of this group received funding and training by the University of Johannesburg to build their ideas into workable businesses.

Speaking to eager Region B entrepreneurs on Tuesday, Acting Regional Director Robert Siwedi said the competition was aimed at establishing viable enterprises in the city.

“We’re looking at establishing new businesses and driving community-based employment opportunities. If you can identify an innovative solution to a problem in your community, this competition is for you. You could change your township and your life,” said Siwedi.

Andre Burger, Head of Business Development at Resolution Circle, a service provider assisting the City in reaching out to communities, said seven micro malls, similar to the Melville 27 Boxes Development, would be built across for developing businesses. The Johannesburg Property Company, the City’s property arm, is in the process of identifying appropriate land for the development of the micro malls.

Claremont resident Selwyn Marais said he was excited that the competition gave residents the opportunity to positively contribute to their communities while empowering themselves.

“I’m entering this competition with an idea that I’ve had for ages but didn’t know what to do with it,” he said.

Shaid Ebrahim of Hurst Hill said the competition was an invaluable opportunity to start a business.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own small business but never had the money to do so. If I win, that dream will become a reality,” he said.

James Ngcobo of Northcliff said he had several ideas but would have to whittle them down to one or two viable ones.

“I’m bursting with ideas but I know this competition is going to be tough so I’m making sure my best idea comes out,” he said.

Freddie of Windsor said micro malls were a great idea to grow and incubate entrepreneurs and attract customers because of their novelty.

“What a novel idea! I think it’s going to be a huge success. By having start-ups together we can learn and grow from one another while overcoming our teething problems,” he said.

The competition is open to South African citizens who live in Johannesburg and have valid identity documents.  Entry forms are available at all the City’s regional offices or online at www.jozimybeginning.co.za