About 250 people who want to start businesses or already run small businesses attended the Heidedal Scale-Up Entrepreneur’s Day at Norman Doubell Hall.
The goal was to help township businesses move from informal setups, like unregistered, cash-only operations, into formal businesses that can grow, access funding, and be part of the official economy.
The event highlighted the role of these businesses in the local economy, while addressing the challenge that many remain unregistered, cash-based, and excluded from formal systems.
Local organisers Brenda Jansen and Tshepo Blom hosted the event to build a pipeline for business growth. Blom said the initiative was inspired by the reality that many businesses generate steady income but remain informal. “This unfortunately excludes them from accessing formal funding, enterprise support programmes, and broader growth opportunities,” he said.
“The core objective of the Scale-Up Entrepreneur’s Day was therefore to identify and ‘unearth’ these sustainable, cash-generating businesses and begin integrating them into the formal economy.”
He added: “The event aimed to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to transition into compliant, scalable enterprises that can access funding, markets, and structured support.”
Entrepreneurs were invited through community networks, social media, and local radio, attracting a wide mix of participants, including hair salons, mechanics, food vendors, fashion brands, and service businesses.
The programme offered training in compliance, structuring, and branding, digital tools, marketing, and funding readiness, while also connecting entrepreneurs to enterprise development, mentorship, and funding pathways. Participants also pitched their businesses.
Blom noted many entrepreneurs operate successfully but remain unregistered and excluded from support systems. The event aimed to close this gap. “As one attendee noted, it was ‘genuinely focused on and about the entrepreneurs’.”
He confirmed plans to make the initiative a recurring event, building a pipeline of businesses to support inclusive economic growth. “A standout element of the event was that businesses were not just learning – they were actively trading on the day,” he said.
Entrepreneur Theo King added: “Start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need perfect conditions – you need commitment. Most importantly, believe in yourself and understand that while the journey is challenging, it is possible – especially when you remain disciplined and grounded in your purpose.”
Sibongile Selomane
[email protected]
