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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) hosted township entrepreneurs at City Hall this week, bringing crucial information about the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund directly to the people. The meeting connected local spaza shop owners with officials from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and the Department of Small Business Development.
What Happened
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s EDTA Sector Development Desk organised the engagement to strengthen township economies and boost small business growth. Spaza shop owners gathered to raise concerns, ask questions, and learn more about available funding opportunities.
The R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no closing date, assists entrepreneurs with stock purchases, shop revamps, and other essential business services. On-site teams helped attendees register for the fund, address licensing needs, and resolve by-law compliance issues.
Official Response
Municipal officials asserted that the initiative demonstrates NMBM’s commitment to empowering informal traders and ensuring economic support reaches grassroots communities.
“Our focus is to build strong township economies and give small business owners the tools to succeed,” an EDTA representative said during the session.
Entrepreneurs can still apply by visiting www.spazashopfund.co.za.
Community Impact
Local traders welcomed the outreach, describing it as a timely boost for struggling small businesses. Many participants noted that having direct access to government departments simplified the application process and built trust between officials and business owners.
This initiative is expected to formalise more township spaza shops and create sustainable local economic growth within Nelson Mandela Bay.
