SMME STIMULUS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ACCESS TO THE ECONOMY

SMME STIMULUS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ACCESS TO THE ECONOMY

Somerset East, Eastern Cape

Supporting micro businesses in the Eastern Cape, is a strategic step to increase access to the local economy, reduce local unemployment and ignite sustainable development. This is the impetus behind BTE Renewable’s Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility’s SMME stimulus training programme.

The programme, which launched in September this year, includes ten SMMEs who are part of a 12-month business training programme. Selected from the areas surrounding the wind farm namely, Adelaide, Bedford, Cookhouse and Somerset East these fledgling businesses will tackle key business management areas including Pricing, Compliance, Technical ability; Bidding and tendering; as well as introducing suppliers to opportunities beyond the immediate local economies.

“Business owners are participating in this extended training programme which is a hybrid format that includes both virtual and in-person sessions. Furthermore, each business is studied to create a growth plan so that it can be strengthened to compete for opportunities in the market,” said Humbulani Netshieneulu, Senior Social Performance Manager for Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility.

The SMME’s that form part of this programme represent a range of industries including construction, security services, business administration, agriculture and water and waste.

“BTE Renewables is committed to the upliftment of communities, especially those in close proximity to their sites. As part of its Economic Development strategy, Enterprise Development has been identified as a focus area for the economic integration of previously disadvantaged persons,” added Netshieneulu.

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BOILERPLATE:

BTE Renewables, formerly known as BioTherm Energy, has been operating in South Africa since 2003 and is positioned as a leading Pan-African renewable power developer with expertise in project development, financial, construction management and operations. The company is owned by Actis, the world’s leading emerging markets investor, following an acquisition in 2019.

Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility is owned by BioTherm Energy (60%), Thebe Investment Corporation (37.5%) and a Local Community Trust (2.5%).