Picture: Supplied
A VEHICLE handover by Droogfontein Solar Power has given Keaoleboga Lerumo, the owner of a Kimberley-based micro-sewing business, Othie & Angie Holdings, another reason to smile.
Othie & Angie Holdings is a youth-owned company that produces school uniforms for local schools.
The business started receiving funding for machinery and business equipment in 2021 as part of an economic development collaboration programme aimed at supporting start-ups.
This infrastructure support was provided along with business mentorship and training.
The programme partnership includes the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Droogfontein Solar Power.
This final intervention of a vehicle is expected to help the business to expand.
A jubilant Lerumo explained that the machinery, mentoring and financial support to purchase material has helped her small enterprise to grow into a more sustainable company and to make profits.
“So now, with this vehicle, I can service my growing client base,” she said.
The economic development specialist for Droogfontein Solar Power, Zuki Ndlela, highlighted that small businesses contribute significantly to the economy and employment, but are most vulnerable to economic fluctuations.
He said that the programme has helped close the gap in start-ups being able to become sustainable businesses that can thrive, expand and employ more staff, which will help to drive local economic development that is more robust.
“Each of the participating partners plays a key role in this journey, from providing start-up funding in the induction phase to mentorship, development funding, loans and equity share,” said Ndlela.