Helping entrepreneurs grow

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation has several programmes which support SMMEs.

Services include: business networks; advisory support; business plan development; feasibility studies; due diligence; mentorship and coaching; quality management support; marketing support; intellectual property registration support and management; pre-commercialisation studies; skills development; information workshops and seminars.

The Development Finance sub-unit manages the ECDC’s business finance product offering and assists enterprises gain access to finance.

Unit of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) forms the backbone of the enterprise development ecosystem which ensures the sustainability of businesses.

The Business Support sub-unit provides non-financial pre-investment and post-investment support, ensuring that businesses are ready for finance, market ready and poised for long-term growth.

Ongoing support is available through mentorships, market access opportunities as well as business and financial management advice. The unit offers both strategic and operational services to equip small businesses to perform to their full potential, with increased profitability and improved management processes that enhance their long-term viability.

The Business Support sub-unit promotes a culture of entrepreneurship, improvement in business competitiveness and facilitates access to market and to education and training for SMMEs.

Address: 1 Moore Street, Quigney, East London

Tel: +27 43 704 5604

Email: info@ecdc.co.za

Website: www.ecdc.co.za

Through both short-term and long-term products, the ECDC has set itself apart as the financial service provider of choice for initiatives that bring a meaningful development impact. With an understanding of the historical lack of access of small-to-medium enterprises to finance, the ECDC uses adequate management capacity and business viability as key lending criteria.

ECDC Access, the category name for short-term finance, offers products geared towards facilitating efficient cash flow management. “Access” denotes the values of flexibility, convenience, efficiency and transparency. ECDC Future, the category name for long-term finance, offers long-term debt finance vehicles, one covering commercial property and another dealing with equity finance.

The ECDC’s business finance products are best suited to applications that facilitate job creation and/or retention, economic empowerment, value addition, rural/township development and increased export income. Any greenfield initiative that leads to expansion and rehabilitation will be eligible for application for finance.

The ECDC aims to provide efficient client service for the entire duration of the contract term. Monthly account management and quarterly report-back visits will gauge the health of the business. ■