De Beers finally opens entrepreneurial hub in Cape Town

It’s always good to see big business helping out the little guys.

Major mining conglomerate and member of Anglo American, De Beers, finally launched the De Beers Marine Zimele Business Hub in Cape Town over the weekend, in a move to support local entrepreneurs with their endeavors.

Although De Beers already has similar entrepreneurial support structures across the country where it operates — providing funding, mentoring and guidance — this is a first for the Western Cape.

De Beers Zimele supported 233 new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and created 2 335 jobs in 2014.

Moreover, over R60-million in loans have been made out to these entrepreneurs. These facts were laid down by Barend Petersen, Chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines who also noted the importance of job creation:

I am encouraged by the progress to date and know that De Beers and Anglo American Group share a vision for Zimele with South Africa to transform and build a better future, especially for those South Africans who are proof that job creation can come from unexpected places, sectors and regions.

Read more: Why it’s important for big business to foster small startups in Africa

De Beers Zimele’s wants to facilitate the creation, promotion and expansion of sustainable, empowered businesses through funding, extensive support, mentorship and guidance. De Beers Zimele, in collaboration with other strategic partners, facilitates the visions of potential entrepreneurs.