Joburg’s first opportunity centre for entrepreneurs opens JOBURG – The City believes that the development and support of SMMEs and entrepreneurs will play a huge role in achieving a 5 per cent economic growth by 2021.

The first of 14 opportunity centres, which essentially are revamped models based on the traditional business hub, opened its doors to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Marshalltown on 14 March.

These centres are the brainchild of the City of Johannesburg’s Economic Development Department and last year’s, and Joburg’s first, entrepreneurship symposiums. Five more centres will open across Joburg before the end of June.

These centres, in partnership with companies like Absa, Discovery, Smart Procurement, and Gen Africa, will aim to be a single point of entry for SMMEs. These business owners will get help to register their companies and Sars-related functions. They will have access to funding, markets, economic infrastructure and information to grow their businesses and get assistance with the completion of tender and other application documents.