OVERVIEW

The Chamber, through its Enterprise Development Initiatives, presents a platform for small and large businesses to synergise their needs and collectively address their common challenge, which is how to best facilitate economic activity amongst themselves. In other words, we facilitate bringing together large enterprises seeking to integrate B-BBEE qualified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chain while meeting their quality, delivery and cost-competitiveness requirements. 

We offer structured Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programmes for the benefit of both small and large businesses through skills development, mentorship, industry exposure and access to markets. We are annually verified by an independent verification agent and awarded certificate of Independent Beneficiary Analysis the status which allows us to administer ED contributions from corporate sponsors. These contributions are used to offer structured programmes that develop SMEs into credible businesses. The status further implies that contributions made qualify for immediate B-BBEE credits which improves the contributing entity’s score card.

OUR ESD PROGRAMMES   

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry through its Enterprise Development Initiatives aims to support and transform small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) in the Durban area into sustainable businesses that are ready to do business with large entities.

Through our targeted ESD programmes, we transform enterprise de-velopment beneficiaries into reliable suppliers and sustainable businesses – creating a market linkages between small and large businesses.

We understand that large businesses are grappling to find optimal ways of complying with B-BBEE legislative framework in a way that protects and enhances their competitiveness, while realising value for their shareholders, customers, value chain partners and the host community in which they operate.

Our ESD programmes are for a minimum of one year to three years and are based on a comprehensive business development in four key areas:

• Skills Development
• Mentorship
• Access to Markets
• Access to finance

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The final element of the BBBEE scorecard is socio-economic development – used to be referred to as corporate social investment, with 5 points scoring. Generally this includes a company’s donations to charity, or involvement in industry-specific charity based. The Chamber has a number of NPOs involved in a range of activities that are registered with the Durban Chamber. A directory of these NPOs will be compiled during the course of the year profiling them per area of interest to allow corporates to invest in them. 

When it comes to SED, the Chamber will ensure that funds received are channelled through appropriately and used to implement worthy socio-economic development through our member NPOs. 

Source: Durban Chamber