The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) hosted certificate ceremonies last week, celebrating beneficiaries of its Entrepreneurial Seed Fund and Small-Scale Farmer/Agro-Processing programmes spanning three financial years.
These key initiatives empower small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), emerging farmers, cooperatives and agro-small businesses through essential grant funding. In collaboration with local municipalities and the provincial Department of Agriculture, beneficiaries receive support including training through the CWDM Mentorship Development Programme facilitated by NLT Investments, covering business planning, marketing and financial management.
The programmes have impacted all five local municipalities: Stellenbosch (10 businesses and five farmers), Breede Valley (18 businesses), Drakenstein (14 businesses and two women-owned agricultural businesses), Langeberg (14 businesses and four agricultural businesses), and Witzenberg (12 businesses, two farmers and an agro-processing beneficiary).
Supported SMMEs span diverse sectors, including food vending, hair salons, construction, laundry services, tyre services, printing, administration and dressmaking. Agricultural beneficiaries include cattle, pig and vegetable farmers, plus vineyard preparation and wine bottling enterprises.
Notably, a Breede Valley Municipality beneficiary was selected by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority and Chinese Culture & International Education Exchange Centre for a six-month International Support Programme in China.
CWDM is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and agricultural development. Beneficiaries can reapply after three years. “These programmes are more than just financial support,” said Councillor Koos Steyn, Economic Development portfolio holder. “They are about building sustainable futures and resilient communities. We are proud of our beneficiaries and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.