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Business Reporter
LARGE enterprises should network with small businesses and engage them on economic activities in order to promote growth and development of the economy, Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo, has said.
Speaking during the launch of the Inclusive Business Forum at a city hotel on Tuesday, he encouraged large and established businesses to involve small enterprises in the forum.
Clr Moyo expressed optimism that the Inclusive Business Forum would create business networks that were critical in attracting investment needed to revive industries in the city.
“There is a need for businesses to work together and also incorporate low income population because no industry exists in isolation or independent of others,” he said.
Clr Moyo said such an initiative as the Inclusive Business Forum was important in improving the city’s contribution to the national fiscus and revival of Bulawayo companies.
He said the local authority was willing to work with businesses and entrepreneurs in setting up businesses that would benefit the community and industrial sector.
“As council we have mooted a package of measures to incentivise the setting up of businesses. For instance, we have the lease with option to purchase. We are saying first set up your business and pay us later,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, SNV country director Lawrence Attipoe said they would work with the newly launched business forum in spearheading the revival of Bulawayo industries.
He said the inclusive business aims to promote the private sector to participate and incorporate small holder farmers in the development of the region and the country at large.
“SNV will advocate for enabling policy for inclusive business in the country to promote growth,” he said.
He said they provide inclusive business pilot grants to help businesses.
“We have received and accessed over 35 applications since August 2012 with main sectors covering agriculture, water and sanitation hygiene, and renewable energy; SNV assists with 75 percent of scan consultancy paying a maximum $3,500.”
Attipoe encouraged the private sector to take ownership of the forum to promote sustainable development.
He said positive response had been observed from a similar forum that they recently launched in Harare.
“From the 23 members at the initial launch we have grown to 70 members to date, representing all sectors, the public and private sector in Harare and we hope to achieve more in Bulawayo,” he said.
Online Reporter