One of the many challenges faced by SMMEs in the current economy, is obtaining access to financially viable markets. Having access to these markets opens more doors for funding and mentorship during the early and developmental stages of small businesses. The majority small businesses operating in rural areas are still at a disadvantage, compared to their urban counterparts due to their small sizes and remote locations.

However, that can never be the reason to deter South Africans from aspiring to be active contributors to the economy.
We believe growing SMMEs through non-financial support and assistance will ensure their growth and sustainability. As we embark on repositioning Seda as an ‘ecosystem enabler’, we aim to strengthen our stakeholder network and partnerships at district level, municipalities, provincially and nationally to create an environment that is conducive to SMMEs development through market access and exposure.

To assist SMMEs Seda has come up with a marketing solution to make sure that these businesses are promoted and able to expand their footprint by the development of an SMME product portal.
Through the portal Seda will not only promote the SMME products and services globally, but will also encourage non-Seda registered small enterprises to be part of the platform by registering through a Seda branch to take advantage of this opportunity.

By establishing platforms for SMME exposure, we are able to:

      •   Increase diversification of local products and markets;

      •   Identify sector gaps for SMME opportunities  Increase Branded South African Trade

      •   Encourage the production of locally produced FMCG(fastmoving consumer goods)

      •   Stimulate domestic demand for South African manufactured goods (SMME- produced), in particular  through public sector procurement;

• Establish buying trends and an appetite for local brand,services and products