SBDM Hands Over SMME Support to Boost Local Economic Development

Today we hosted an SMME Support Handover ceremony at the SBDM Council Chambers, officiated by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Deon de Vos, as part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local economic development across the district.

Through its Local Economic Development (LED) Office, SBDM is supporting six Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from across the district for the 2026/27 financial year. The initiative aims to assist emerging and established local businesses to grow, become more sustainable, and contribute meaningfully to local economies.

Four of the six supported SMMEs were present at today’s event. These included Pearston Hardware, a local hardware store serving the Pearston community; NGN Enterprise, a Bathurst-based business specialising in landscaping and grass cutting services; Masako Contour, a Cookhouse-based manufacturer of cleaning materials; and Wellington’s Fine Cottage Furniture, a Makhanda-based furniture maker known for its locally crafted products.

Two beneficiaries were unable to attend the handover but form part of the programme. These are Infinite Beauty by Bivory, a beauty boutique based in Graaff-Reinet, and The Marketing and Events Firm, a business operating from Makhanda.

The total funding allocated to the six SMMEs amounts to R470 000. While the financial support may be modest, it is expected to play a critical role in enabling businesses to purchase raw materials, improve marketing and branding, and cover essential transport costs — all of which are key challenges faced by small businesses.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Executive Mayor reaffirmed the municipality’s support for local entrepreneurs, highlighting that SMMEs remain the backbone of local economies and a vital source of job creation. The Mayor encouraged the recipients to use the support strategically to strengthen their operations and expand their reach.

The SMME Support Programme forms part of SBDM’s broader efforts to stimulate inclusive economic growth, support entrepreneurship, and build thriving local economies throughout the district.