Small business organisations in townships, inner city regions, and peri-urban areas can help boost the small business sector by becoming more effective advocates for changes in government policies affecting SMMEs.- In 2021, CDE worked with four business associations representing the interests of small firms in Gauteng to identify the challenges faced by small business owners: the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the South African Informal Traders Forum, the Soweto Tourism Association, and the Orange Farm Business Community Chamber.
- The Department of Small Business Development has many programmes to support entrepreneurs and stimulate enterprise, but most of these organisations don’t see any of the benefits.
- CDE’s discussions with these organisations were characterised by a common theme: Despite the organisations’ best efforts, government (metro, provincial, national) has failed to work with them effectively or support them in any substantial way.
