Empowerment workshops are based on various programmes run by the City, which include Cooperatives development, Construction, Agribusiness, business compliance, youth and women business development, and many other initiatives.

CONTACT: Ms Nelisa Mshengu Tel: +27(0)31 311 4537 / 4500 Cell: 0732201955 Email: nelisa.mshengu@durban.gov.za

To develop and empower SMMEs financially in order to avoid such failure, and thereafter enable them to access finance from financial institutions. The programme’s secondary objective is to act as a conduit for banking institutions in South Africa to engage with the City in order to provide innovative financial and non-financial assistance to SMMEs.

CONTACT: Ms Nonhle Memela Tel: +27(0) 31 311 4331 / 4500 Cell: 0724849918 Email: nonhle.memela@durban.gov.za

To provide Small Scale farmers and Agribusiness SMMEs with customised solutions that reduce barriers to markets through embracing science, innovation and technology. To improve the sustainability and profitability of their land and business enterprises while increasing their contribution to eThekwini GDP.

CONTACT: Mr Vuyo Jayiya Tel: +27(0) 31 3114237 / 4500 Cell: 0725194490 Email: vuyo.jayiya@durban.gov.za

To provide an effective Licensing services within the Municipality for the sale and supply of meals, entertainment or health facilities and accommodation establishments, as well as monitor and enforce compliance in accordance with set regulations and bylaws.

CONTACT: Ms Qondi Liqwa Tel: +27(0) 31 3114595 / 4500 Cell: 0737024249 Email: qondi.liqwa@durban.gov.za

To make business development support and capacity building services available to traders in the informal economy; as well as providing conducive trading facilities. To also identify, implement and monitor support program and opportunities.

CONTACT: Mr Michael Hlangu Tel: 031 308 9900/38 Cell: 0834496009 Email: michael.hlangu@durban.gov.za

To bridge the gap between emerging contractors and business opportunities through various business knowledge and skills analyses, business development, mentorship and business linkages. The aim is to also facilitates the soft and technical skills interventions, assisting with sector statutory requirements compliance and national sector regulating bodies.

CONTACT: Ms Nonku Mthembu Tel: +27(0) 31 3114575 / 3114500 Cell: 0835522644 Email: nonkululeko.mthembu@durban.gov.za

To improve and provide capacity to the cooperatives to improve quality of services that they render, sustain income generation, job creation and competitiveness and as well as market access.

CONTACT: Ms Nonhle Memela Tel: +27(0) 31 311 4331 / 4500 Cell: 0724849918 Email: nonhle.memela@durban.gov.za

To enhance the skills of local fashion designers and to broaden industry related knowledge, conduct research in the sector, create opportunities for the youth to participate in the sector, enhance fashion designers’ marketing capabilities and skills, acquire more knowledge in terms of the international market needs and opportunities.

CONTACT: Ms Nonku Mthembu Tel: +27(0)31 311 4575 / 4500 Cell: 0835522644 Email: nonkululeko.mthembu@durban.gov.za

To develop support initiatives for small businesses operating in rural, townships and peri-urban centres of eThekwini Municipality, to ensure their integration into the economy. Support provided include:
• Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programmes,
• Training on Product development and
• Market access support.

CONTACT: Ms Nelisa Mshengu Tel: +27(0)31 311 4537 / 4500 Cell: 0732201955 Email: nelisa.mshengu@durban.gov.za

To provide soft and technical skills. Within the selected areas, individuals are trained and then encouraged to form business entities that will be trading for example, in telephone wire, beaded products, etc. Market access is then facilitated for these businesses through exhibitions.

CONTACT: Ms Nonhle Memela Tel: +27(0) 31 311 4331 / 4500 Cell: 0724849918 Email: nonhle.memela@durban.gov.za

To facilitate skills development, mentorship, coaching and support to business enterprises. These range from survivalist, informal business, and formal business including women and youth.

CONTACT: Ms Nonku Mthembu Tel: +27(0)31 311 4575 / 4500 Cell: 0835522644 Email: nonkululeko.mthembu@durban.gov.za

To provide incubation facility and support to manufacturing businesses.

CONTACT: Ms Nonku Mthembu Tel: +27(0)31 311 4575 / 4500 Cell: 0835522644 Email: nonkululeko.mthembu@durban.gov.za