Cape Town – Small businesses in Cape Town have been encouraged to sign up for the Productivity Efficiency Programme, to have their businesses assessed and assisted.
The Productivity Efficiency Programme follows the City’s renewal of its partnership with Productivity South Africa.
The programme assists SMMEs who are in distress or need guidance on improving their operations.
The businesses are assessed and then given a detailed strategy on how to improve productivity and efficiencies.
“Productivity SA’s team goes on site and reviews every area of the business, from their books to the production area, and then advises on what improvements or changes are needed,” said economic growth mayco member, James Vos.
In the past year, 18 businesses were supported by the programme.
The City said that resulted in the retention of 588 jobs.
“The day-to-day challenges of starting a business and then keeping it running are immense and it can often feel as if one is putting out fire after fire just to keep the doors open.
“What we and Productivity SA are doing with this programme is helping organisations to see how they can turn their operations around so that those fires are less likely to even start, allowing them to focus instead on growth,” Vos said.
The programme welcomes applications from businesses with up to 100 employees. Previously, businesses with a maximum of 50 employees could apply for the initiative.
“When an enterprise is given the tools to streamline their systems, they no longer have to spend their time or revenue on simply trying to keep the doors open, but can instead focus their energies on retaining and hiring more staff, innovating their products and services, and ultimately, growing their businesses.
“I strongly encourage Cape Town’s SMMEs to register for the Productivity Efficiency Programme,” said Vos.
To find out more, contact the Business Hub on 021 417 4043 or business.support@capetown.gov.za
Cape Times