Local Entrepreneurs Empowered Through SMME Programme
Since its inception five years ago, a bottom-up community approach based on the philosophy of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) programme, has supported numerous local entrepreneurs, including Romenda Wessels from Loeriesfontein, the owner of RJ Cleaning Maids. This programme has provided this company and others with assistance to expand, enhance sustainability and provide employment opportunities in the area.
“The purpose of the programme is to improve the support provided to local entrepreneurs, while simultaneously, ensuring that business owners improve their business planning abilities, record-keeping, enhancing the awareness of financial status, business development, and through increased sustainability, promoting accessibility to employment opportunities for the broader community,” explained Vanessa Fredericks Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm, funders of this programme.
With a focus on vehicle cleaning, RJ Cleaning Maids received funding to purchase essential equipment, including water pumps, pressure washers, wet and dry vacuums, as well as other essential equipment and materials. With the addition of water pumps and water tanks, the company has been able to increase its operational efficiency and service quality making it more environmentally friendly in terms of responsible water usage.
This has also secured the company work with major companies such as Siemens Gamesa and Loeriesfontein & Khobab Wind Farms along with other respected contractors or community members in the area.
“I am immensely grateful for the support and opportunities provided by the Khobab and Loeriesfontein Wind Farms through their ABCD Grant Fund. In 2023, this initiative was instrumental in helping us acquire essential car wash equipment that significantly enhanced our service capabilities. We look forward to continuing this fruitful relationship with the wind farms and contributing positively to our community's economic growth,” said Romenda Wessels, Director of RJ Cleaning Maids.
