Proud history of skills development support...
If your business needs skills development support, business advice, information technology support, product and market development and business linkages, keep reading. The Enterprise Development Programme invites small to medium enterprises to access these business support services provided by its highly qualified staff. Although these services are non-financial in nature, they are often sector and demand-led and necessary in order to be successful in your chosen sector.

The programme is committed to providing you with knowledge and expertise in business development delivered by using sophisticated solutions and best practice. The programme aims to assist emerging businesses access business development services through a network of accredited service providers. We invite you to enlist for one of our broad range of services, specially catered for your business's needs, and notice improvements in the quality of your product and service offering.

Quality services at your disposal...
ECDC will assist your business perform to its potential by providing:

1. A range of non-financial services which are sector-specific and demand-led; and
2. Business linkages and networks that strengthen the SME sector.

Our target sectors...
The programme provides development and support to all businesses with a focus on:

•  Arts and culture;
• Emerging contractors in the construction industry; and
• Service providers who assist with skills development.

Applying for success...
If your business meets these requirements, the next step is to apply for this service by following these five steps:

• Your business needs to register with the programme by completing an SME Data Input Form, which is available from all ECDC offices. Individuals and companies seeking assistance need to comply with regulatory frameworks in the country. The programme will assist with compliance, where necessary;
• Requests for Enterprise Development Services support should be submitted in writing at any ECDC offices;
• Due to the broad range of requests for assistance, the programme will request supporting documentation;
• This will be followed by a complete diagnosis of the business which aims to identify areas that need attention as well as areas of success that need focus; and
• The programme will then identify and contract business service providers to assist.

The start-up business...
If the programme decides to engage with your start-up business, it will consider whether your business is feasible. It assists entrepreneurs in developing start-up business plans and by facilitating access to services and resources so that the SME can execute the plan and project manage the process of establishing the business.

The emerging business...
In the case of an emerging business, the programme will diagnose and identify what makes your business profitable. Based on this evaluation, the programme will, with the owner of the business, develop and agree on an action plan, facilitate access to services and resources needed to carry out the growth plan and project manage the work plans.

The expanding business...
If the programme is approached to help an expanding business, it will explore with the business owner different growth strategies which may include the need for new technology, access to finance or reaching markets in other areas.

The underperforming business...
If your business underperforms, the programme will identify the causes of the lack of performance.

Cost drivers...
This programme outsources SME support to service providers and may subsidise the service provider's services, according to a set formula that is guided by:

•  Value of the service;
• Turnover of the SME;
• Structure of the company;
• Number of times ECDC has assisted the SME; and
• Financial profile of the SME.

Our collaborative approach...
The programme collaborates with and acts as an intermediary for other government institutions that are active in SME development. These include:

• The Business Referral and Information Network;
• SEDA;
• Department of Trade and Industry; and
• The Centre for Intellectual Property and Registrations Office.

 The unit also has co-operation agreements with;

• KHULA on the Thusa mentorship programme;
• COMSEC and Mdantsane Local Business service centres; and
• Business chambers.

For more information contact:
Nombulelo Nqakula
Tel: 043 704 5680
Email: nnqakula@ecdc.co.za