Businesses who joined the exhibition at the Cape Town Business Summit, which took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday July 31, welcomed the opportunities it brought them.
While the summit had its inaugural business expo as part of the event, it was the third instalment in partnership with MTN and Santam, and had Cape Community Media, publishers and distributors of this title and its 12 sister titles, as its print media partner.
The expo, which took place before the formal event, showcased 18 different small business exhibitors, including those offering short-term business insurance coverage, the latest mobile communications devices or offerings for SMMEs, access to funding, assistance with business plans and information, as well as mobile services, such as mobile dental services.
Exhibitors who spoke to Cape Community Media at the event agreed that the summit brought in opportunities for them to expand their networks.
Nathalie Mutombo, client relationship manager at Digital Express, a small business specialising in printing of all kinds in Woodstock, said the networking opportunities were “massive”.
“There are so many people coming to this place to meet other people. A summit like this will open doors for small business owners and you get to see opportunities that are out there for you.”
Another exhibitor, Claremont Dental Studio, showcased its mobile dental service. They offer preventative dental service “in one suitcase”, that can be taken to clients’ homes, schools or businesses – with no call-out fee, to better service communities.
Dr Arifullah Ahmed said they were learning a lot being part of the expo, and even spoke about collaborations with other mobile health services at the summit.
He said the fact that they can talk to corporate members in business helps as it gives them “a key” into businesses that they can partner with.
Shannon Dlamini, head of operations at Investmint, a business which helps with funding for South African small businesses that need bridging finance, said the summit gave them opportunities to engage and speak to the right customers, and open doors for collaboration. “It helps you network, help people and find your own clients.”
She said these types of business events can help business owners in communities get fresh ideas on how to grow their businesses.
Nomonde Mbele and Thando Ratsibe, representing the Palesa Mbali Group recruitment agency, said the expo helped them meet new clients, and also to help job seekers find opportunities – thereby creating lasting relationships.
Ms Ratsibe said they were able to talk to many potential clients to expand their footprint in Cape Town.
Being a women-owned company, Ms Ratsibe said although the business world is slowly seeing women step into power, statistics show that there are still very few of them in executive positions. “We are looking to empower women and collaborate, build confidence in one another and among each other so that we can tap into those spaces.”
Edward Petersen, who was one of the delegates representing Eddies Trucking at the summit, said the summit provides opportunities for small businesses to grow. “I met several business owners who shared tips on how to grow, how to develop and invest in businesses, and also how to create opportunities for local people to grow in business.”
He said the summit was a huge opportunity for community business owners to take their businesses to the next level, and increase their mark in society, to create a better society.
Another delegate, Rushka Ariefdien, who is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidate at UCT Graduate School of Business, said the summit really gives exposure to businesses. “Many of the businesses here, I wouldn’t have even known about.”
The UCT Graduate School of Business also offers various courses in business, and “informal” consulting programmes with small businesses that may not be able to afford consulting.
Ms Ariefdien said it was nice to see young women in business representing their companies. “It’s important that women get an opportunity in spaces like this to speak up on what they are doing and the impact they make in our communities. These events are integral to that.”
