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Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development Support

Small enterprises play a pivotal role in South Africa’s economy through employment creation, income generation, and driving local output growth. At both national and provincial levels, the small enterprise economy has been recognized as a key driver of inclusive development and job creation.

Within Harry Gwala District, surveys reflect that most registered entities are cooperatives, followed by private companies (Pty Ltd.) and close corporations. This demonstrates that the majority of enterprises are structured as legal entities, showing a growing trend of formalization in business operations.

The district’s small enterprises are active across several industries, with strong representation in:

  • Construction
  • Agriculture
  • Catering and hospitality
  • Services, including creative and professional fields

Recognizing their vital role, the Harry Gwala District Municipality, through the Harry Gwala Development Agency (HGDA), has prioritized the development of small enterprises as a means of overcoming the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. This commitment has been translated into impactful programmes that support and grow emerging enterprises.

Enterprise Development Fund

The Harry Gwala Development Agency (HGDA) launched the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) in 2022 to provide funding support to small businesses across various economic sectors. It provides support to projects focused on investing in economic upliftment, with special emphasis/attention on creating or retaining jobs to achieve sustainable economic growth. The fund was successfully disbursed to various businesses over the past two (2) consecutive years with twenty-five (21) enterprises benefited from across the district and with 90 new job opportunities created (permanent and seasonal)
Recognizing their vital role, the Harry Gwala District Municipality, through the Harry Gwala Development Agency (HGDA), has prioritized the development of small enterprises as a means of overcoming the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. This commitment has been translated into impactful programmes that support and grow emerging enterprises.

THE HGDA SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

The Harry Gwala Development Agency (HGDA) has introduced Special Programmes to promote inclusivity and empower underrepresented groups within the district’s business ecosystem. These initiatives recognize the critical role of the historically disadvantaged (youth, women, people with disability) and other emerging entrepreneurs in driving socio-economic transformation.

Youth in Business

In celebration of Youth Month, and under the theme “Actively advancing socio-economic gains in our democracy”, the HGDA honored the vital role that young people play in business and community development. Youth-owned enterprises across different economic sectors were invited to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts. The initiative gave the youth an opportunity not only to showcase their innovation but also to access the resources needed to grow their enterprises.

Following the pitch session, four outstanding businesses were selected to receive business support. Equipment and prizes were officially handed over on 26 June 2026 during the Youth Month celebration. This programme not only supported young entrepreneurs financially, but also celebrated youth innovation, resilience, and their role as future leaders in business.

Women in Business

In recognition of Women’s Month and the extraordinary role women play in the economy and society, the HGDA launched the Women in Business Programme. Under the theme “Women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion”, women entrepreneurs were invited to present their business models and ambitions to a panel of experts. The initiative aimed to support women-led enterprises, while encouraging equity, diversity, and inclusion in economic development. From this process, four women-owned enterprises were awarded business support and resources to help sustain and scale their operations.

People with Disabilities Fund

True inclusive growth means breaking barriers. The People with Disabilities Fund is dedicated to ensuring that entrepreneurs living with disabilities are not left behind. By providing financial support, training, and mentorship, this programme helps them to establish viable, competitive, and sustainable businesses. This initiative reflects HGDA’s commitment to building an economy where every individual, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed.
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