CPUT opens doors for SMMEs

Agri Food Technology Station (ATS) recently hosted a Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) Symposium at Bellville Campus, where numerous emerging entrepreneurs shared their experiences on available channels to get their products to the retail shelves.

The symposium with the theme: How do you get your products to the retail shelves, was attended by representatives ranging from the corporate industry, government and small businesses. This included: Standard Bank, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Technology Innovation Agency, Western Cape Provincial Department of Agriculture and Department of Economic Development and Tourism

The SMMEs included: Spicy Bulldog, Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) who shared their experiences into getting products in Spar and Woolworths shelves respectively. ATS manger, Ndumiso Mshicileli, who welcomed the guests hailed the success of the event, which they consider as part 1, with part 2 that will be planned in the second half of the year.

"The end goals were achieved as the purpose was to create a networking platform, knowledge and information sharing on funding vehicles, technology transfer services etc."

The presentations included two entrepreneurs who shared their experiences on having their products on supermarket shelves. "The session's objective was in turn to create opportunities for collaborations and largely for SMMEs and entrepreneurs to access services of Agrifood Technology Station (ATS)."

Mshicileli was also impressed by the interaction between the audience and the speakers which was "inspiring and shared invaluable information to the attendants".

"ATS hopes to start more projects with those who attended to assist them to develop and innovate new products that could eventually feature on the shelves for consumers." The event not only provided access to knowledge to the attendants but also helped to showcase technology, equipment, and instrumentation ATS has within the Department of Food Science and Technology. "It also indicated what CPUT can offer and contribute to the economy of the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa through supporting the SMMEs, entrepreneurs and various communities through ATS interventions."

Delegates also gave CPUT a thumbs up for the great opportunity that was provided by the institution. Enterprise Direct Manager at Standard Bank, Siphiwo Mbande, said they came to CPUT to honour the invite and had a discussion with the entrepreneurs whilst they were able to position the banks' Customer Value Proposition and "the end goal was to create opportunities for both the entrepreneurs and the bank".

"The organisation was great and the presentation from TIA stood out. "[CPUT] continue with the initiatives to create opportunities and look for bigger venues and a formalised approach." Loyiso Manga, founder of Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil brand, the first black-owned brand of extra virgin oil in South Africa, said: "I was keen to tell my journey to emerging entrepreneurs, network and learn from other speakers who were invited to speak. All was achieved."

Manga said the event was "well organised and informative, [however, it] needs to strengthen the virtual connectivity as many people wanted to be a part of the great programme". "Job well done; they [organisers] should do this more often."

Moerida Morat, a delegate, said: "To CPUT, thank you for the opportunity, if it wasn't for you, I would be stuck in my business. You opened up doors that were previously closed. It's really big for me."

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