Executive Profile Nonhlalo Mphofu SHEQ Executive
Small Business Hub( SBH)
SEIFSA’ s Small Business Hub( SBH) was created specifically to address the special needs of Small and Micro-sized Enterprises( SMEs). More than 50 % of the SEIFSA membership base is made of SMEs.
Small businesses are a backbone of South Africa’ s long-term economic growth. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the estimated 2.8 million small businesses in the country in 2012 contributed between 52 % and 57 % to South Africa’ s Gross Domestic Product. During that period, small businesses also provided about 61 % of the country’ s employment. However, these figures are still far less than the average in developed countries where small businesses play a far bigger role in the economy. This can be attributed to structural challenges, including labour laws, access to finance and red tape that continue to hamper the growth of small businesses in South Africa.
In addition to being an enabling engine designed to assist SMEs reach their full growth potential through tailor-made products, services and solutions, the objectives of the SEIFSA SBH are to:
• Provide cost-effective products and services addressing overall needs of SMEs;
• Offer cost-effective support services that are sector-focused and related to SME categories( micro and small);
• Identify sector- and company-specific challenges, monitor trends and develop specific interventions to improve SME performance;
• Identify and enhance the functioning of SME support and offer industrial relations, economics and commercial, legal, health and safety and skills development services such as training and consulting tailor-made for SME needs;
• Identify, simplify and facilitate opportunities and linkages to business development and financial services in order for SMEs to maximise productivity, profits, support job creation and achieve economic growth;
• Ensure a reduced rate of failure of SMEs through proper coordination of support services that are deemed accessible, apt and cost-effective; and
• Lobby for and represent SMEs’ interests at various committees and forums.
Executive Profile Nonhlalo Mphofu SHEQ Executive
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SBH DIVISION Visit the SEIFSA website on www. seifsa. co. za or call Ms. Mphofu( 011) 298-9400 or nonhlalo @ seifsa. co. za
132
SEIFSA AT 75- SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE