Swisscontact launched this project in July 2008 (with funding from Credit Suisse) with thr aim of helping small businesses in the Gauteng province to improve their contribution towards job creation. The project focuses on disseminating information about business development and financial services avaliable to small businesses; and encourage stakeholders in the financial sector to assign resources to small businesses.

To date, the project team has commissionedsurveys to assess the information needs of small businesses, has developed training materials that address small businesses' information needs and financial literacy, and conducted via print and broadcast media. The main focus is on growing financial literacy among entrepreneurs by educating them about how to manage their money better, understand the advantages and disadvantages of financial products, and apply financial management principals to their businesses.

The project has recruited a number of mentors, who in turn have provided pre- and post-loan mentoring services to more than 60 businesses. In addition, the project has forged links with financial institutions and chambers of commerce to bring financial services to townships.

Client spotlight

Swisscontact has forged a close alliance with Etwatwa Devyton Kingsway Wattwille (EDKW) Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this project. About 50% of the Chanmber's membership comes from the survivalist sector, which includes street traders, spaza shops, cooperatives and other types of informal businesses.

The Chamber wanted to increase its outreach and offer members and the community a platform where they could access information, mentoring and access to finance. Working closely with Swisscontact, it has managed to reach more than 1,000 small businesses in four different communities with relevent business information through expos and information events.

Project Manager Mr. Neo Seleke: ns@swisscontact.co.za