Kouga empowers local businesses through corporate governance and B-BBEE training

JEFFREYS BAY - Small business owners from across the Kouga region gathered at Pellsrus Hall in Jeffreys Bay for a four-day Corporate Governance and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) workshop aimed at strengthening local enterprises and improving their readiness for business opportunities.

The workshop, facilitated through a partnership between Kouga Local Municipality, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the B-BBEE Commission, brought together entrepreneurs operating in various sectors, including transport, hairdressing, cleaning, catering and construction.

The training, from 26 to 29 October, focused on equipping entrepreneurs, business owners, directors and managers with practical knowledge to strengthen their businesses and promote long-term sustainability.

Topics covered include an overview of the Companies Act, business continuity planning, strategic decision-making, shareholders' and stakeholders' roles, directors' duties and liabilities, board practices, corporate finance and reporting, and corporate responsibility.

Kouga Local Municipality recognises that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) often face challenges relating to compliance, business management, governance and access to markets. The workshop responds to the need for practical capacity-building initiatives that help local businesses operate more effectively and position themselves for growth.

Through its partnership with SEDFA and the B-BBEE Commission, the municipality is connecting local entrepreneurs with specialised knowledge and resources to strengthen their business operations and improve their understanding of compliance requirements.

Well-managed and compliant businesses are better positioned to compete for public and private sector procurement opportunities, attract investment, establish partnerships and contribute to job creation.

The initiative forms part of Kouga Local Municipality's broader commitment to local economic development, supporting entrepreneurs and creating an enabling environment for investment, employment and sustainable economic growth.