A new partnership between the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and Pick n Pay comes alive as the first ever spaza-to-store conversion, Monageng Market, opens in Diepkloof, Soweto this week.
This pilot project forms part of the GDED’s programme of economic revitalisation in townships, and is the latest example of Pick n Pay’s commitment to inclusive growth in South Africa.
The Monageng Market store, which is owned and run by Solly Legae and his family, has traded in Diepkloof since 1972. In recent years the trading environment has become more difficult, with new entrants competing for the local market.
Chris Reed, Group Executive for Franchise at Pick n Pay explains: “Many independent township traders are experiencing tough times as the economy tightens and competition becomes more intense. When we talk to spaza owners about the challenges, and how we might help, they frequently identify better access to quality products at good prices, a reliable distribution system, good business management systems, and business advice and mentorship as priority areas for them.
Based on Pick n Pay’s successful franchise model, the pilot partnership includes access to Pick n Pay’s range of branded products and very competitive purchase pricing, efficient systems for ordering and managing stock, increasingly centralised, regular and timely distribution network, retail services including data, airtime and ticketing and marketing and operational advice.
City of Joburg offers R5m in startup support for Jozi digital innovators
With prizes valued at R5 million worth of support including R1 million for the winner and R350 000 for two runners up and a boot camp for the top 100 ideas, you might just want to share your great digital ideas that can transform your community. The City of Johannesburg (The Department of Economic Development) and Wits University through the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) have partnered to make the second #Hack.Jozi Challenge possible.
The #Hack.Jozi Challenge is a boot camp for startup entrepreneurs and aims to contribute towards fostering skills, innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital technology space.
Ravi Naidoo, Executive Director for Economic Development for the city, who is overseeing the competition explains, “We aim to accelerate visionary entrepreneurs in the ICT sector. This is important because ICT is central to improved productivity, economic growth and job creation. We are a young City with a young population and we have excellent business and research capacity which can create the perfect environment for us to develop advanced ICT products and services.”
What to expect at the My Business Expo
Taking place in Johannesburg on 10 March at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Build a Business Live is the highlight of the one-day, all under one roof business start-up and growth expo hosted by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC).
Now in its eighth year, My Business Expo is Africa’s biggest and most successful business exhibition for anyone looking to start or expand a business. Powering Build a Business Live are four global entrepreneurial and influential speakers, guaranteed to motivate and encourage you to take your business in a positive and accelerated direction.
“Build a Business Live is a power-packed programme of top of the line seminars tailor-made for anyone starting out or building a business,” says Mike Anderson, NSBC founder and CEO. “It’s also an opportunity to grow, learn, connect, be inspired, and have fun while experiencing entrepreneurial entertainment at its finest.”
Leading the line-up of business thought leaders is MC Mpho Modikoane, Mark Keating, CEO of Sales Guru, international speaker Gavin Sharples and motivational speaker Mark Berger.
As the only paid-for event at My Business Expo at R195, the exclusive Build a Business Live event also includes access to the Business Start-Up Expo, Access to Finance Indaba, The Franchise Show, The Financial Wellness Zone, powered by Experian and Trading Across Borders.
Tickets for Build a Business Live are now available. Seating is limited and delegates should register as soon as possible at www.buildabusinesslive.com
