Despite the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, eThekwini Municipality is forging ahead with its mandate to support small businesses.
As part of its Economic Recovery Plan, the Municipality will host a series of online business empowerment activities during the 22nd Durban Business Fair (DBF) to commence from 15 to 27 September.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda says the City will not allow scourge of Covid-19 to determine how the agenda of development should be advanced.
“The show must go on but within the ambit of lockdown regulations. Hosting the DBF is us rising above the current challenges to ensure that service delivery continues. The virtual DBF is to run parallel with the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) which will drive the fourth industrial revolution among businesses and contribute to the City’s Economic Recovery Plan pillars,” said Kaunda.
On 10 September, the City will kick-start an exciting Flavours of Durban competition ending on 22 September. The competition will climax with the main cookery session to be held on 24 September.
To enter, you must post a video of any dish that defines ‘Durban Flavour’ and tag DBF social media pages. The winner will walk away with a hamper including a set of cookware and will cook alongside celebrity and local established chefs on 24 September where they will be showcasing cooking tips of local cuisine in celebration of Heritage Day.
In ensuring access to markets and expanding the reach for local entrepreneurs, on 11 September the City will officially launch the DBF and DFF online shops. Buyers from any corner of the world will be able to buy locally produced products which will be delivered to them.
In a bid to ensure women empowerment beyond Women’s Month, the DBF will present a Women Economic Empowerment webinar themed: ‘Disruptive value chains opportunities for women in business’ on 15 September. The engagement will feature successful and well-known female entrepreneurs that will share useful business information and strategies.
On 22 September, a business engagement comprising panellist of renowned entrepreneurs will provide insight around navigating a rapidly changing business landscape as a result of Covid-19.
The next day, 23 September prominent names in the technology fraternity will facilitate the deliberations on ‘Crisis Marketing’ – which focuses on finding opportunities and trends amid Covid-19.
Furthermore, the country’s future leaders will be jolted to rise above challenges through the Youth Business Connect seminar on 25 September under the topic of ‘Integrate to Innovate-not all is lost’. Successful young entrepreneurs will headline this session.
In its quest to support aspiring entrepreneurs to break into different industries, the City has set aside a three-day ‘Pitch My Idea’ from 25 to 27 September. The most economic viable business idea will walk away with several sponsored prizes including business mentorship and publicity material.
In addition, to ensure maximum exposure for local designers, the DFF fashion shows featuring over 25 local designers currently being filmed in different venues will be shown on DFF and DBF digital platforms on 23 to 25 September and will be televised thereafter.
Meanwhile, the DBF excellence awards 2020 online applications will commence during the proceeding of DBF for past small, medium and micro enterprises exhibitors. Applications will close on 9 October and winners will be announced in November. To apply go to: www.dbnbusinessfair.com
Follow DBF and DFF pages to stay updated. For DBF @DBNBusinessFair (Facebook and Twitter) and @durban_business_fair on Instagram. For DFF @ Durban Fashion Fair (Facebook), @dbnfashion_fair (Instagram) and @Dbnfashion_fair (Twitter).
For more information on one of the programmes, kindly email: Nonkululeko.Mthembu@durban.gov.za or call 031 311 4500.