On 19 March 2014 Seda had the launch of their new premises/offices in the centre of Mossel Bay .

A speaker at the launch MS …… explained that SEDA provides business development support to small enterprises ranging from start-ups to well established businesses. Many useful services are offered in partnership with specialized providers in the small enterprise support industry.

Entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs may approach SEDA to gain access to the business support services they would otherwise not be able to afford.

As a key agency within the stable of the Department of Trade and Industry, SEDA is tasked with implementing important elements of the government small business development strategy. SEDA therefore works closely with government agencies and provincial initiatives.

Some of the reasons why SEDA assists potential entrepreneurs would be:
– to stimulate and strengthen the local economy
– to encourage local prosperity
– to create jobs
– to reduce poverty
– to support efforts by local enterprises to deliver quality services and to produce quality products.
– to support enterprises which can supply individually designed and custom made local products.
– to support local businesses which form an integral part of SA’s distinctive character – and the tourism industry also benefits from this.

Potential entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting a business may apply to attend one of SEDA’s many training programmes; while business owners who are at the stage of planning to expand and are in need of specialized support may apply for SEDA to sponsor between 60% and 90% of the fees of an approved service provider.

It is not only independent business owners who may approach SEDA – specific programmes are geared towards cooperatives and franchisees too. SEDA also offers tender advice, networking and business linkages opportunities, technical support, export readiness assessment and productivity improvement.

To qualify for support, the entrepreneur must be 18 years and older, be able to run the business on a full-time basis, and have a valid SA Identity Document. The applicant must also pass credit checks and provide proof of residence.

(044) 695 2840 •