Tears of joy at local Transformation event

The simple process of connecting those who have with those who need delivers more than anyone expected

Eight small businesses pitched their business cases to lead enterprises at the annual Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Dragons’ Den event in Umhlanga. The objective of this Business Accelerator programme is to drive localisation and enable transformation but it delivered so much more.

“Black-owned SMEs have so much to offer but often find it difficult to platform themselves to the large corporations,” explains Megan Wuite from B&M Analysts who facilitate the Durban Chemicals Cluster, “similarly, big business is searching to engage with potential suppliers from this sector. The Business Accelerator programme was established to bridge this gap.” She goes on to explain how her team encourages all small, black-owned enterprises, as well as big business looking to make a difference in this sector, to become a part of the opportunity.

This year’s finalists were selected from over 150 applications. “We took them through comprehensive pitch training that included a 1-day online programme. From there, the top 15 were trained further in an exciting workshop that included Toastmaster training and expert presentation advice.”

It all culminated at the Dragons’ Den event where big business played the role of the Dragons and the SMEs presented their business cases. It was a highly-charged, spectacular occasion where invaluable connections were made, priceless advice shared and small businesses were given the platform they deserve. Four SMEs walked off with R25 000 each in prize money but the real value of this day is still to come; “All eight finalists have been awarded membership to the DCC for a year. During this time, they will have access to specialised manufacturing sector support, which is when they are set up to move to the next level and become independent successes in their own rights,” enthuses a passionate Megan.

Clearly emotional about their win, Sandeep and Rani Singh from S Mach Engineering, who won Best Business Case, shared that the value they’ve already gained from this programme is immeasurable, “Covid-19 hit our lives hard. We started our business to support our young family and create a future for them and others in our community. We now know we can do anything, especially with the support of these corporates.”

“We are honoured to be a part of this programme as it falls perfectly in line with our mandate to support local SMEs and drive transformation in the sector,” says Trevor I’Ons from NCS Resins who has been a lead sponsor of this programme for 4 years.

Ethekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) fund the Business Accelerator programme in the Chemicals sector and were at the event to support and encourage all the participants. “It’s so rewarding to see, for ourselves, what value programmes like this hold for both the SMEs and the established industry leaders,” says Ravesha Govender from Ethekwini Municipality.

The spirit of the initiative was aptly conveyed when one of the Dragons, Daniel Souchon from Ferro Coating Resins and Ferro Dispersions, encouraged a very nervous Brian Hlope from Silokotho Trading while he presented; “You should be so proud of how far you have come in taking this opportunity on. Already you are a success and, with continued passion and determination, your business will grow and fulfil all your objectives. I look forward to seeing how we can be a part of that journey.” Brian went on to win the Most Promising Business award, R25 000, and business mentorship.

For more information on the DCC Business Accelerator Programme visit https://durbanchemicalscluster.org.za/business-accelerator/

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