The purpose of the sub-programme: Economic Empowerment, Preferential Procurement and BBBEE is to create an enabling ecosystem that enhances entrepreneurship and the establishment of growth and sustainability of small, medium and macro enterprises. The subprogramme aims to empower all target groups, different enterprises including cooperatives with both financial and non-financial support. The support includes capacitating HDI’s to benefit from procurement opportunities, in both the public and the private sector.

The Economic Empowerment, Preferential Procurement, and B-BBEE sub-programme will capacitate entrepreneurs with Costing and Pricing skills. This intervention seeks to prevent further capital flight, identify barriers that hinder Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from capitalizing on procurement opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The sub-programme will focus on implementing solutions to address important challenges such as pricing and costing, compliance, market access, and financing. This targeted approach will ensure that SMMEs are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Moreover, small-scale fishers in Hondeklip Bay will participate in capacity-building workshops designed to enhance their market access. Small contractors in the region will also receive training on the Construction Sector B-BBEE Generic Codes to improve their compliance levels and boost their competitiveness. Furthermore, they will be trained in financial management to acquire the skills necessary for compiling financial models, analysing annual financial statements, and understanding financial ratios, enabling them to complete Bills of Quantities independently.

Support for Cooperatives in the province continues to be of vital importance. As such, the subprogram will maintain its partnership with the national Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and SEDA to enhance assistance for cooperatives. Key interventions will focus on cooperative governance, conflict management, and guidance for applying for Cooperative Incentives Schemes.

Functions : 

1. Facilitate business skills development and capacity building (business operations) for SMME`s across sectors through creation of procurement opportunities.

2. Facilitate Preferential Procurement Initiatives to ensure and support promotion and establishment of SMME`s across sectors.

3. Promote economic opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities within the province.

4. Facilitate socio-economic partnerships for economic empowerment of social transformation target groups.

5. Implementation and management of the Preferential

6. Procurement Initiatives in key sectors of the Provincial Economy.