Media Release: Free digital technology advisory support available for SMMEs

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 14 May 2020

Release: immediately

Free digital and technology advisory support available for SMMEs

Last week we called on the digital and technology industry in the Western Cape to volunteer for our Tech Volunteer programme which aims to match experts with businesses who need digital expertise, and today we’re calling on all small businesses who require those expertise to register their interest to receive support.

Our Tech Volunteer programme will match small businesses in distress with an industry expert and offer them 1-2-1 sessions of ‘free’ advisory practical tech and digital related support during Covid-19.

Our expert volunteers can advise businesses on a range of topics from setting up a web presence to understanding online inventory management, digital marketing and even advice on how to digitise operations.

It is important to emphasise that this is a voluntary initiative, and that support is being provided through the goodwill of the tech sector.

Each business owner will receive a free 2-hour session with one of the volunteer experts, following which any further support will need to be negotiated independently, and will fall outside of this initiative.

Interested businesses can apply via the JUMP for entrepreneurs’ app which is available and free to download on the App Store and Google Play (search: “jump for entrepreneurs”), or you go to www.bizjump.co.za.

Create your profile, go to the ‘Opportunities’ tool to apply to be part of this initiative, and our team will be in touch.

If any digital and technology experts would like to volunteer, please submit your details on this form, and we’ll contact you to get started: https://bit.ly/2VPCz0G

For more information on the Tech Volunteer programme please email dedat.broadband@westerncape.gov.za or visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/site-page/godigital

Notes for media: To view the statement online visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/free-digital-and-technology-advisory-support-available-smmes

Note for business: For more info on health guidelines and Covid-19 resources for business visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327 / Cell: 071 087 5150 / Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za