Exciting times ahead for SME's in Govan Mbeki

Byline: Andani Matumba

12 July 2023

These are exciting times for SME’s within Govan Mbeki Municipality after the launch of the Business Hub right opposite the municipal offices in Secunda.

The Secunda Business Hub which was launched on 27 June 2023 to different dignitaries invited from the local municipality, government officials and other key stakeholders, officially opened its doors to the community on 03 July 2023.

To date, over 110 young entrepreneurs have benefited from the company’s Enterprise and Supplier development initiative and the aim of the Hub is to be able to reach even more people over time.

Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd (ALLISA), is proud to announce its sponsorship and collaboration alongside Lean Enterprise Acceleration Programme (LEAP) on a community initiative aimed at supporting local SMMEs through the launch of the Secunda Business Hub.

This initiative is aimed at assisting with resources to expand and grow local businesses.

By leveraging the expertise and resources of LEAP, Air Liquide believes that the Secunda Business Hub will deliver tangible and sustainable results to the community.

The Business Hub which was built in just 6 months will be able to reach hundreds of local community members within the area of Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) district.

The Centre is optimally located to reach entrepreneurs who are unemployed and seeking to enhance their entrepreneurship abilities, thus creating employment.

The Secunda Business Hub will provide the entrepreneurs with access to business support such as, but not limited to:

• Free internet/hotdesking;

• Business support; Enterprise & Supplier Development Programmes;

• Conferencing facilities; Board rooms; and

• Email, printing and scanning facilities.

In addition to offering a platform for business activities, the Business Centre also aims to make provision for the following:

Mentor black owned SMME’s with in-depth business support and development,
Dedicated support by means of a qualified Nurse/counselor to allow victims of gender-based violence to receive support; and
Allowing SMMEs to visit the Business Centre and consult with Leap SMME Credit.

Through this project, Air Liquide aims to make a meaningful and positive impact on the Govan Mbeki Municipality.

By partnering with LEAP, this will ensure that the Secunda Business Hub receives professional management and guidance as the organisation has extensive experience in execution of similar programs.

According to Pete Colombo, the CEO of LEAP, “Entrepreneurs have the power to create jobs and sustainable income in order to support Local Communities in a dignified manner.

The Secunda Business Hub is an initiative that will provide the necessary incubation business support to help those who wish to improve their lives through entrepreneurship.

The Secunda Business Hub is a free and safe environment containing the necessary technology and mentorship support to guide and assist visitors through this journey.

It’s an honour to be a part of such an exhilarating project.”

For further information or enquiries regarding the Secunda Business Hub, please contact LEAP on: Secundahub@leapco.co.za