Established in 2017, the Investment Facilitation Branch focuses on facilitating investments within Cape Town, nurturing existing businesses, and attracting new ones. In 2020, the City launched the Business Retention & Expansion programme, which expanded from servicing the Atlantis area only, to across the City of Cape Town. In June 2023, the Atlantis Investment Facilitation Office within the Investment Facilitation Branch was officially renamed to the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Unit to better reflect its role in supporting Cape Town’s business growth.
The BR&E Unit: Your Growth Partner in Cape Town
The BR&E Unit, under the Department for Economic Development and Investment, isn’t just another government office, the unit offers a range of services aimed at making a good environment for businesses to grow and last.
Some important goals include:
- Improving business environment: The unit works hard to create a positive economic climate across Cape Town’s industrial areas;
- Support business environment: With comprehensive support and incentives, the unit makes it easier for businesses to thrive, leading to more jobs and wealth creation; and
- Driving economic growth: They implement targeted programmes to boost economic growth across various industries and promote ease of business.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Programme
Launched in September 2020, the BR&E programme aims to support and expand existing businesses. It was initially rolled out in the Atlantis industrial area and has since extended to other areas such as Blackheath Industrial, Epping, and Airport Industria. The programme includes action team sessions, investment workshops, and engagement with stakeholders including companies like Eskom and Transnet.
Alien Vegetation Eradication Project
The Alien Vegetation Eradication Project linked to the National Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), addresses the spread of invasive species on unoccupied city land, preserving the local ecosystem and creating jobs. As of 2023, the project has positively contributed to the employment rate in Cape Town by creating 121 jobs with an investment of over R1 million.
Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ)
The Atlantis Special Economic Zone () was officially launched in December of 2018 with a focus on developing a Greentech manufacturing hub. The ASEZ is designed to attract export-focused Greentech investors and improve local economic growth. Recent initiatives include capacity-building sessions for community organisations and collaborations with local agricultural hubs.
Load Curtailment Programme
In response to the energy crisis, the City of Cape Town has implemented a Load Curtailment Programme aimed at large power users in industrial areas. This programme helps businesses maintain power during load-shedding by reducing energy consumption. Currently, the programme engages around 400 businesses in 16 areas across the city, promoting collaboration and sustainable energy management.
Success Stories and Impact
The BR&E Unit’s initiatives have yielded significant economic benefits and ease of business for the City of Cape Town. For instance, businesses in the Atlantis Industrial region saved over R11 million in the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year through incentives like waived building plan application fees and reduced electricity tariffs. These efforts highlight the importance of the Atlantis area as a dedicated manufacturing zone, contributing to Cape Town’s overall economic resilience.
The BR&E Unit plays a key role in building a strong economy in Cape Town. It helps existing businesses grow and brings in new investments, leading to more jobs in the city’s industrial areas. With its focus on managing the environment, saving energy, and working with the community, the BR&E Unit shows Cape Town’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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