I know firsthand how tough the journey in running a business can be. Just this year, over 750 businesses in South Africa have shut their doors, proof that it’s not easy out there. And what could be the biggest challenge? Securing reliable, sustainable sales, especially from large customers.
Kyle Ballard from the East Cape Automotive Industry Forum (ECAIF) couldn’t agree more. “In the automotive sector, where cost competitiveness, quality, and compliance are non-negotiables, many SMMEs struggle to align and communicate their business offerings with the expectations of large, national customers,” he explains. This is where the Origin8 Programme comes into play, designed specifically to help small businesses break into the automotive space.
The Origin8 Programme is here to equip SMMEs with the knowledge of what major automotive customers expect and the tools needed to tailor business offerings accordingly. As Ballard puts it, “What does it take for an SMME to be identified as ‘high potential’ by a large customer and then move from high potential to receiving purchase orders?” That’s the golden question this programme aims to answer.
What’s even more exciting is the collaboration behind this initiative. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism (DEDEAT) are funding partners, which is crucial to driving SMME growth in the province. “Their support is pivotal to SMME growth in the local automotive sector, and we are incredibly grateful to have them on board,” says Ballard. “Through working collaboratively, we believe the ECAIF Origin8 Programme is one of many ways we can empower more local businesses while fostering an inclusive, transformed, and diversified automotive sector in the Eastern Cape.”
Now, who should apply? If you’re an emerging or established SMME in the Eastern Cape with an eye on the automotive sector, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! To qualify, businesses need to be:
- South African Black-owned
- In operation for at least two years
- Turning over between R2-R50 million annually
- Interested in growing within the automotive industry
Applications for the programme are open until 5 November 2024—and it’s absolutely free! Successful applicants will take part in two key events:
- 3 December 2024: A hands-on workshop about what large automotive customers are looking for, followed by a business pitch session.
- 4 December 2024: A local study tour of a world-class automotive manufacturer.
For those still wondering if this is the right move, let me share four reasons why you should apply today:
- Understand what big customers want: Get valuable insights into the key questions that major automotive customers ask when evaluating suppliers.
- Align your offering with industry needs: Engage in a panel discussion with industry giants and ensure your business offering hits the mark.
- Access practical tools for growth: Receive tailored resources to help scale your business sustainably—focusing on customer needs, not just upgrades for the sake of it.
- Network with industry leaders: Build connections with both new customers and peers in the automotive sector during interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
So, if you’re ready to take your business to new heights, don’t miss out! To apply, visit https://zfrmz.com/BnEIrRDuDBo82U8GkWxW.
As Ballard sums it up perfectly, “This programme is a gateway for SMMEs to not only grow but thrive in a sector where the standards are high, and the rewards are even higher.”
For more details, you can also contact ecaif@bmanalysts.com. Let’s seize this chance to grow our local businesses together.