By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
Entrepreneurs who can not only succeed but also make a significant impact and transform their communities are needed in South Africa. Based on this premise, BizTweak and the Department of Gauteng Economic Development have partnered to re-launch Opportunity centres in various townships in Gauteng.
BizTweak, an organization that provides a crucial solution for aspiring and promising entrepreneurs in South Africa, offers a platform for entrepreneurs to independently evaluate the gaps in their businesses and gain valuable insights for sustainable growth.
With six years of experience, BizTweak has established a reputation as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs, offering cutting-edge solutions that drive business growth.
Notably, BizTweak emerged as the winner of the prestigious Smart City Innovation Challenge. The business provides a cutting edge approach to developing a digital solution that effectively addresses the needs of the Department of Economic Development (DED).
BizTweak’s expertise in harnessing technology to drive meaningful impact and sustainable economic development is exemplified by this achievement. It was also selected as part of the top 160 solutions in the McCloskey New Venture Creation, which is an innovation competition by the University of Notre Dame based in Indiana, USA. This shows the pedigree of the solution, as a tool that addresses a global need.
“The partnership with the Department of Gauteng Economic Development enables us to reach even more entrepreneurs in township areas, providing them with the support and resources they need to grow and succeed, “ Says Arthur Tlou Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of BizTweak.
The Opportunity Centres that are being activated are in 5 townships around Gauteng, including Diepsloot (Thlabologo), Diepkloof (Atlehang), Alexandra (Ikamvalethu) Roodepoort (Isiqalo) and MontClare (Simunye).
These opportunity centres aim to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform their communities and contribute to the province’s economic grown.
The general public are invited to utilise the BizTweak website to assess their own business ideas and the health of their current businesses as well. BizTweak is looking to complete 60 000 business assessments in the next 12 months (May 2024 to June 2025).
This is aimed at the opportunity centres, and also the general public that are running businesses or those who have the desire to do so.
“The opportunity centres which are supported by the Department of Economic Development will provide secure and safe sites for demonstration/s and field testing of the identified business development technology/solution,” Mahlangu.
As Sandile Gwala, Manager of the Simunye Opportunity Centre in Montclare, aptly puts it, “What we offer is simple service development for small businesses.
“We offer them for free. Let us continue to support initiatives that prioritise the growth and success of small businesses, for they are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities,” Gwala said.
The Simunye Opportunity Centre provides a comprehensive range of services, from company registration to access to finance and markets, all at no cost. This inclusive approach ensures that SMEs have an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or financial status.
Additionally, the centre offers resources such as boardrooms, training rooms, and computer centres, which can be utilized by SMEs to enhance their operations and competitiveness.