SMME business boost just a click away

The City’s Economic Growth Directorate is urging Cape Town-based Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) looking for a boost to apply for the Productivity Efficiency Programme. It aims to equip participants to improve their operations to grow their clientele and businesses. Applications are open until June 2028. Read more below:

SMMEs who want to improve their operations and make their business more sustainable can apply for the Productivity Efficiency Programme, administered by Productivity South Africa and supported by the City of Cape Town. The programme is running for three years until June 2028. SMMEs need to be available for about three to six months during this period.

Since July 2025, 14 businesses across industries, including catering, manufacturing, retail and printing production have already participated in the programme. Collectively, the businesses retained more than 564 jobs.

Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, recently visited Atlas Trading Company in Bo-Kaap and witnessed how their staff put their learnings from the programme to use.

Atlas was established as a grocer in 1946, pivoting to a focus on spices when this became its top-selling product category.

“This programme aims to support SMMEs in improving operational efficiency and productivity, to strengthen business sustainability and competitiveness, and to protect and retain jobs. That is exactly what I saw at Atlas – enhanced product availability, improved sales efforts, and the growth of online sales. As a result, they have seen an increase in revenues. In addition, the implementation of a streamlined inventory management system has unlocked significant working capital. And most importantly, their team has grown from 19 staff prior to the programme application to 27 employees currently,’ said Alderman Vos.

Hakheem Achmed, Managing Director of Atlas Trading Company, praised the programme.

‘The Productivity Efficiency Programme had a meaningful impact on our business, helping us operate more strategically and with greater control. Through improved inventory management, we reduced waste and ensured optimal stock levels. Adjustments to our production layout enhanced workflow and minimised downtime, leading to increased output. Additionally, stronger cash flow management gave us better financial visibility and stability. Overall, the programme enabled us to work smarter, improve efficiency across key areas, and position our business for sustainable growth,’ said Achmed.

Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery in Woodlands similarly saw an improvement in its operational efficiency, a reduction in waste, and hundreds of thousands of rands in working capital unlocked.

Family-owned manufacturing business, Tshipa Curtains, based in Elsies River, participated in PEP from September to December 2025, whereafter it introduced formal systems, such as key performance indicators, improved machine processes, and standardised work procedures. The result was an improvement in product quality and stabilised production performance.

‘The City proudly supports the Productivity Efficiency Programme as it combs through the details of a business’s operations and structures and gives thorough assessments and guidance that address the specific needs of that enterprise. I encourage qualifying Cape Town SMMEs that are looking for the kind of support offered to apply through our Business Hub,’ said Alderman Vos.

To qualify, SMMEs must:

• Employ between 10 and150 employees.
• Be committed for the duration of the programme, which can be between three to six months, depending on business needs, and be available for meetings with the Productivity SA Practitioner assigned to the business.

Apply

• For more information or to apply, contact The Business Hub on bu**************@**********ov.za or 021 417 4043 for an application form.

• Additional documents will be required before an approval is granted such as financial statements, SARS confirmation, Letter of Good standing from the Department of Labour, copies of CIPC registration and copies of IDs and BBBEE certificate.