City gears for new regional SME Hubs
In line with our administration’s commitment to achieving 5% economic growth by 2021 and reducing unemployment, the department of Economic Development will be launching job seekers and innovation desks, within each of the City’s regional hubs.
This leading edge initiative will serve to grow and develop the labour market within the City as well as link job seekers to opportunities both within the public and private sector.
This follows the City’s first ever Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Symposium which sought to find ways we can use to improve the current entrepreneurial ecosystems within Johannesburg, in order to stimulate our local economy and create jobs.
The entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium brought together government, private sector, educational institutions, NGO’S and, most importantly, entrepreneurs for this purpose.
With conversations around pioneering the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the city received a number of innovative and practical submissions to the challenges that face entrepreneurs and SMEs operating in Johannesburg.
These submissions are being used to inform our ongoing discussions on the type of support needed by the city’s business community. As per the department of Economic Development’s 17/18 Financial Year deliverables, we have committed to increased regional economic development and support towards entrepreneurial development. In order to succeed, such an approach can only work through stronger alignment between the department and regional offices as well as collaboration between the city, private sector and small business.
The City’s job seekers’ and innovation desks will be entrepreneurial spaces and meeting points for like-minded individuals to engage, collaborate and find solutions to job creation and economic growth. The City has also approached two Institutions of Higher Learning in order to give their learners the opportunity to conceptualise an appropriate name and logo for these desks. The learners providing the successful name and logo, will be recognised for their flow of creativity and will for innovation.
This approach will also provide platform to emerging graphic designers and young professionals an opportunity to create a unique portfolio.
The new business model will increase hubs to 2 per region, as there is currently one per region and ultimately, the city will have a total of fourteen (14) of such facilities by 2021.
Cllr Leah Knott
MMC of Economic Development
City of Joburg
For more information please contact:
Jabulile Buthelezi
Stakeholder Manager
C ell: 076 552 0253
E-mail: JabulileBu@Joburg.org.za
Website: www.joburg.org.za
