The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce (JCCI) has collaborated with Standard Bank to launch a new three-year-long export incubator programme.
The export incubator, situated in Milpark, Johannesburg, is designed to offer black South African entrepreneurs the opportunity to be trained and assisted in selling their products or services in foreign markets.
JCCI represents business and industry in Johannesburg.
The incubation programme structure
Gauteng SMEs from various sectors that have been running a business successfully for at least two years, and who believe that their product or service could be exported, are invited to contact the chamber. The induction process commences in November 2014.
SMEs will participate in the three-year programme provided by the export incubator. They will receive general business instruction and comprehensive export training, and be mentored.
The entrepreneurs will also be introduced to international markets through participation in exhibitions and trade missions.
“Exporting is a complicated process with many pitfalls for the unwary and with constantly changing legislation it can seem like a minefield”
Exporting opportunities
President of the Chamber, Advocate Fay Mukkadam, said the benefits of exporting can be substantial and, if done correctly, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
“Exporting is a complicated process with many pitfalls for the unwary and with constantly changing legislation it can seem like a minefield. While exporting can open up substantial opportunities for businesses, we have seen how difficult it is for the novice exporter and how costly their mistakes can be and it is for this reason, we welcome this opportunity to support and train SME exporters,” said Mukaddam.
