Cape Town partners with Productivity SA to boost small businesses

The City of Cape Town (COCT) has partnered with Productivity South Africa to implement the Productivity Efficiency Programme to assist small businesses in Cape Town in improving their productivity and efficiency. 

The City of Cape Town has partnered with Productivity SA to implement the Productivity Efficiency Programme for local small businesses

The COCT Mayco member for Asset Management and Economic opportunities, James Vos provides insight into the aims of the initiative. 

“The objective of this programme is to assist organisations by creating a mechanism to proactively address the challenges that confront them and prevent possible liquidation, closure, or job losses. We are constantly engaging with our business network to determine businesses’ immediate needs and to assist with channelling enterprises towards the appropriate sphere of government for assistance.” 

Productivity Efficiency Programme

The business support programme facilitated by Productivity SA assists small businesses, with 15 -50 employees, in becoming more competitive, improve their internal operations and overall business model to increase revenue and productivity.

 Imvusa Plastics in Atlantis, a small business that has received support via the programme points out that the initiative helped the business grow and develop.

Chaentine Warnock from Imvusa Plastics indicates that the programme is integral to local small businesses.

“We are privileged and honoured to be part of the Productivity Efficiency Programme and look forward to the implementation phase. Thank you to the City of Cape Town for what you have done for us.” 

Assistance offered

According to reports by the COCT, support is offered to Cape Town-based companies whose municipal accounts are in arrears for more than three months and who are classified as being in distress.

Financially distressed companies are businesses experiencing one or more of the following:

• the inability to meet financial obligations,

• a decline in profits,

• a decline in sales,

• a reduction in cash flow,

• the need to retrench staff or close

Small businesses can apply for assistance on the Business Hub by contact 021 417 4043 or emailing business.support@capetown.gov.za.

Read more: SA medtech startup expands product offering in US
Read more: SA agritech startup launches digital livestock insurance

Featured image: The City of Cape Town (Supplied)