Casidra Continues to Nurture its Collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality to Fuel Entrepreneurial Success for 15 Small Businesses

Fifteen small businesses in the Garden Route are on a sustainable growth path after receiving equipment and machinery donations through the annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Support Programme of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), implemented in collaboration with the Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas (Casidra) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA).

The programme identifies emerging businesses across the Garden Route that face challenges in expanding their operations or acquiring the equipment and machinery needed to grow sustainably.

GRDM leadership, together with partners from Casidra and SEDFA, joined local entrepreneurs at the official handover event, where beneficiaries received machinery and equipment support to strengthen and expand their businesses.

According to Natalie Botha, District Economic Development Officer, “Applications for this round of beneficiaries closed on 29 August 2025, after which a rigorous selection process was undertaken.”

“We anticipate that the next application period will open around July 2027. Information will be communicated through mainstream media, the Garden Route Local Government Job Opportunities WhatsApp Channel, as well as the GRDM website and Facebook page,” she added.

The programme attracted close to 100 applications, highlighting the increasing demand for development support among small businesses in the region. All selected businesses are registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and have been operational for at least one year. Classification as an MSME in terms of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act (Act 21 of 2024) was also among the criteria considered during the selection process.

Beneficiaries represent a diverse range of sectors, including property services, beauty, poultry farming, dentistry, driving schools, construction, and more. GRDM provided non-financial support to each business in the form of equipment and materials tailored to their operational requirements.

Since 2019, GRDM has invested nearly R3.5 million in small business development, supporting a total of 139 beneficiaries to date.

Speaking at the handover event, MMC for Planning and Economic Development, Ald. Rosina Ruiters, said: “This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that opportunities remain accessible to all entrepreneurs who are ready to grow and contribute to the local economy.”

“This programme is one of GRDM’s flagship initiatives. The support provided to these businesses will contribute significantly to their growth and development, while also strengthening the broader Garden Route economy,” she added.

Executive Mayor Ald. Marais Kruger said the MSME Programme remains one of the ways in which GRDM contributes to alleviating poverty and unemployment, as small businesses play a critical role in creating much-needed jobs and stimulating local economic growth.

“Through this programme, we are equipping small businesses with the support they need to grow and make a meaningful difference in their families and communities,” he said.

GRDM’s partners, Casidra and SEDFA, continue to provide technical expertise and mentorship to participating businesses as part of their annual commitment to enterprise development.

Offering a message of encouragement, SEDFA Acting Head of Department for Pre-Investment, Mr Alex Qunta, said the organisation was proud to support and empower small businesses to grow and thrive.

The continued collaboration and visionary leadership of all stakeholders involved ensure that small businesses are able to make a tangible impact within their communities.

Casidra CEO, Dr Keith Du Plessis, emphasised the important role small businesses play in the economy. “Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. We commend entrepreneurs for taking the risk, especially in an environment where access to markets, financial support, and compliance requirements can be extremely challenging,” he said.

Municipal Manager Monde Stratu encouraged beneficiaries to remain resilient in the face of challenges and assured them of ongoing support from the Garden Route District Municipality.

“Support should not only come in the form of materials, but also through guidance, encouragement, and standing alongside entrepreneurs during difficult times,” he said.

The programme remains inclusive, with no restrictions based on gender, age, or race, thereby ensuring equal opportunities for all qualifying businesses.

GRDM remains committed to expanding the programme’s impact and footprint year-on-year as additional funding streams become available.