Enterprise iLembe, iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), announced that they will be commencing with a programme that aims to identify opportunities for local businesses and to address obstacles to expansion and growth in the region.

The programme is referred to as the Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) visitation programme which is being driven by a trained task team made up of local business people and government officials. “Job creation is one of our highest priorities” said Kanyi Gasa, CEO of Enterprise ilembe adding that “International research shows that up to 80% of new jobs are created by the growth of existing businesses.”

BR&E programmes have been utilised successfully in various countries for many years and in South Africa since 2003. The basics are simple and involve trained volunteers surveying the opinions of local business people. The survey is confidential and no financial or other sensitive information is required. The data collected will be collated and analysed using professional research methodology. The critical issues and common concerns identified will be addressed by the above task team who will draft proposals to address them. These will be presented at a stakeholder meeting, including all businesses interviewed, for approval and to mobilise local support and action.

“We are completely behind this exciting initiative. It is a unique opportunity for the ideas, concerns and opinions of local business to be heard”, said Trenley Tilbrook, CEO of the ilembe chamber of commerce, industry and Tourism.

The programme will initially focus on businesses in the Ballito area but will be expanded further into the district next year. The Programme will be formally launched on the 24 of May 2011. Should you currently own a business in the Ballito area and would like your company to be surveyed or would like to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Local Co-ordinator Trenley Tilbrook on 082 496 21 69.