Business incubation is the nurturing of small and newly established businesses so that they grow to become independent and self-sustaining. This environment includes work space and workshop space at subsidized rates, facilitation of access to market and finance, business coaching and mentoring services and technology advisory services provided in conjunction with our collaborators.
Facilitation of business linkages for BEDCO assisted enterprises is meant to enhance accessibility to markets. This is done through participation of SMMES at trade fairs, where they exhibit and showcase their products and services to various markets. One on one buyer-seller meetings are also conducted during trade fairs, where exhibitors meet with invited potential buyers to discuss market requirements as well as establish supply relationships.
MSMEs get to network and benchmark with best practice within their industries, as well as sell their products. Linkages are also done at branch level where clients’ products and services are introduced to markets within the region.
As part of its mandate, BEDCO identifies regulations and policies which present challenges to the local SMME community. BEDCO is mandated to advise the Ministry of Trade and Industry on any legislation which is seen as a barrier to SMME development. BEDCO therefore plays an advocacy role for change of regulations as and whenever the need arises.