In an ecosystem where the majority of the jobs are dependent on small businesses, entrepreneurs must receive support. This was at the centre of Martha Shingange’s message at the 7th annual Township Economy Summit and Expo, hosted by the Township Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (TEA).
Marthe Shingage is the Marketing and Communications manager at Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA). She shared insights into the world of retail entrepreneurship and W&RSETA’s role in supporting entrepreneurs.
The Importance of Partnership
Businesses grow when there is collaboration and community. Martha Shingange explained that W&RSETA’s partnership with the Township Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (TEA) is an important part of this. Working together on events like the Township Economy Summit and Expo helps increase awareness. It ensures that entrepreneurs know about the platforms and support programs that are available to them. This alignment closes the gap between resources and the people who need them most in the township economy.
“We must ensure that entrepreneurs can grow their businesses,” Shingange said. “Entrepreneurship is essential because both the private and public sectors do not have the capacity for job creation.” Her message highlights a simple truth. Small businesses remain the main drivers of jobs and income in many communities. When they receive the right support, they help strengthen the entire local economy.
Collaboration also makes support more relevant. It brings partners together to design programs that meet the real needs of township entrepreneurs. This includes training, market access, and compliance support. These efforts help businesses grow in a sustainable way. They also help create a strong network of entrepreneurs who can learn from each other and share opportunities.
How Does Wholesale and Retail SETA Support Entrepreneurs?
W&RSETA is a provider of skills development. W&RSETA provides programmes to empower wholesale and retail SMMEs with the necessary skills and support they need. Programmes include:
- Mentorship and coaching to help SMMEs grow and sustain themselves.
- Grant vouchers for informal traders to attend sponsored training.
- New venture creation.
- Discretionary grants for skills programmes implementation through SMEs.
Investing in Skills and Business Growth
Shingange explained that W&RSETA not only provides training but also invests in businesses to give them a head start. “Once you’re done with the training, we also invest a little something into your business,” she said. While past approaches sometimes led to grants being misused, W&RSETA is now focused on ensuring that funding seeds tangible business growth.
Access to Market: Turning Products into Retail Opportunities
A major challenge for small business owners is getting their products onto retail shelves. Shingange highlighted the importance of both product quality and compliance:
Access to markets is a challenge for retail entrepreneurs. Martha takes us through various stages in the retail process and how W&RSETA assists in that process.
“We partner with organisations that are able to assist entrepreneurs, because you might have a good product, but then it needs to be properly branded, it needs to include nutritional information, and all the other nitty-gritty required for brand compliance,” says Martha.
The programmes offered by the Wholesale and Retail SETA are a clear example of how entrepreneurs can leverage government support for business success.
Partnering for a Bigger Impact
W&RSETA is also looking to team up with partners to continue helping SMMEs. She mentioned that a new funding window for partnerships had just opened, one that’s specifically focused on helping entrepreneurs in townships get off the ground. Although W&RSETA is primarily a skills development outfit, they’re open to working with grant givers and other partners who can bring funds to the table.
“Come and check our website out,” she said with a smile “We’d love to get to know you and explore how your business can benefit from what we have to offer.” Whether you’re just starting out with a business idea or already running a small operation, she said, there are likely ways W&RSETA can lend a hand.
Building a More Vibrant Township Economy
Martha Shingange ended her address on a high note, celebrating the potential of township entrepreneurs. She made it clear that with some guidance and the right partnerships in place, those with a business idea can really make it happen. All they need is the determination to make it happen and the right support.
