SMME development and support remains at the centre of the operations of Department of Economic, Small business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA). The department’s programmes are aimed at enriching the Free State business community and entrepreneurs with knowledge on business development and support, marketing expertise, as well as extensive experience in enterprise development and entrepreneurship space.

Concerned about the high failure rate of SMMEs, during his 2021/22 budget speech, MEC Makalo Mohale said “One of the contributing factors for low success rate for funding applications by Free State enterprises is low compliance to business rules and regulations. Most of the businesses do not register for tax with South African Revenue Services, and they do not register their employees with department of Labour for UIF”.

To ensure that Free State businesses benefit from different programmes for development and sustainability of their businesses, MEC Makalo Mohale is committed to create awareness and support SMMEs with business compliance.

DESTEA service centers are the point of service in assisting small businesses with business rules and regulation. They are equipped with relevant officials, with similar setup, similar level of service and similar operating standards.

Focus will be on the following:

Business registration, amendments and cooperative registrations

Business skills training

Stokvel trainings

Access to markets

BBBEE Affidavits

CSD registration

Annual returns

Raise awareness on available financial incentives

Source: Government of South Africa