Garden Route District Municipality Fuels Entrepreneurial Success for 15 Small Businesses

 29 April 2026

About 15 small businesses in the Garden Route are on a sustainable growth trajectory after receiving equipment and machinery donations to boost their operations through the annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Support Programme of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with the Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas (Casidra) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA).

This programme identifies emerging businesses based in the Garden Route that are challenged by growing their operations or to buy the equipment and machinery they need.

GRDM leadership and partners from Casidra and SEDFA with local entrepreneurs receiving machinery support to grow and strengthen their businesses.

According to Natalie Botha, District Economic Development Officer, “The application for this round of beneficiaries closed on 29 August 2025 and processes subsequently unfolded through a strict selection process.”

“We plan for the next application period to commence around July 2027. It will be shared with the mass media, via the Garden Route Local Government Job Opportunities WhatsApp Channel, website and Facebook page,” she said.

The programme attracted a total of just under 100 applications, reflecting the growing demand for development support among small businesses. The identified businesses are all registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and have been operational for at least one year. These and being classified as an MSME in terms of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act (Act 21 of 2024), are some of the criteria used during the selection process.

Beneficiaries include ventures focusing on property, beauty, poultry farming, dentistry, driving schools, construction, and more. GRDM provided non-financial support to each business in the form of equipment and materials tailored to their operational needs. Since 2019, GRDM has invested just under R3.5 million into small business development, supporting a total of 139 beneficiaries to date.

Speaking at the handover event, MMC for Planning and Economic Development, Ald. Rosina Ruiters, said: “This initiative also reflects our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all entrepreneurs who are ready to grow and contribute.”

This programme is one of our flagship initiatives within the GRDM. The assistance received by these businesses will contribute significantly to their growth and development as well as the broader Garden Route economy.”

Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger, said this MSME Programme remains one of the ways GRDM plays a part in alleviating pressures of poverty and unemployment as small businesses create those much-needed jobs which contribute to the growth of the local economy. “Through this programme, we are giving small businesses the support they require to grow and make a material difference to their families and the community.”

The GRDM partners, Casidra and SEDFA, provided technical expertise and mentorship to each business, which is a commitment they make annually. Offering a message of support, SEDFA Acting HOD for Pre-Investment, Mr Alex Qunta, said as stakeholders they were proud to be supporting and empowering small businesses to grow and thrive.

Visionary leadership and continued collaboration amongst all role-players ensure that small businesses are able to have real impact in their communities. Casidra CEO, Dr Keith Du Plessis said small businesses were the backbone of the economy. “We commend you for taking the risk as barriers to market, financial support and compliance can be very challenging ,” he said.

Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, encouraged the businesses to remain resolute when challenges arise and assured that Garden Route would offer the support they required. “Support should not only come in the form of materials, but also through guidance, encouragement, and standing with you during difficult times”.

The programme remains inclusive, with no restrictions based on gender, age, or race, ensuring equal opportunity for all qualifying businesses.

GRDM remains committed to this programme and when more funding streams become available, will increase the impact and footprint of the initiative – year-on-year.

To keep up to date with opportunities like these, please join the Garden Route Local Government Opportunities WhatsApp Channel: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

ENDS