A feasibility report on the establishment of a business support centre in the metro has been released. It is expected that it will take an estimated R9 million to set up this institution.

The centre would provide business support services to all sizes and types of businesses.

The metro commissioned accountants Grant Thornton to do the study of setting up the one- stop shop, which would have in- house services and be run on a referral basis.

Making a presentation to the metro’s economic development and tourism committee this week, economic development department trade and investment manager Belu Mabandla said the centre should be up and running next year.

Councillors expressed concern that although the metro is the main funder, because of the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the council will not be represented on the board.

The Act clearly states that the participation of councillors in such entities is not allowed.

Councillor Mcebisi Msizi said that in his capacity as a Sanco national executive member, he would “expose the inadequacies” of the legislation.

Committee chairman Mike Kwenaite expressed concern at the R9-million to set up the business centre. “We must look at that. My department’s operational budget does not even reach that.

“We must have a firm commitment from the other partners such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the department of trade and industry and sister cities,” he said.

The centre is intended to be a single point of contact for business and investors, and to provide business support services to business and investors.

It is also intended to improve international and local access for local business.

The suggested name of the centre is the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Centre. It will be located in Port Elizabeth’s central business district to show the metro’s commitment to the revitalisation of the CBD.

Councillors agreed that the idea of establishing such a centre should be supported.