The Knowledge Hubs at the 15th Annual Absa ESD Expo provided delegates with a full day of practical learning, business insights and supplier development opportunities.
Running concurrently on 16 September, the two hubs were designed to help SMMEs strengthen their business capabilities while gaining a better understanding of how to access corporate and government procurement opportunities.
The first hub focused on “How to Do Business With…” leading organisations such as government entities, Eskom, Telkom, Transnet, Discovery, PepsiCo, Rand Water and Absa. These sessions offered valuable guidance on supplier registration, procurement processes, tendering and building successful buyer-supplier relationships.
The second hub featured a series of masterclasses covering key business growth topics, including funding readiness, AI and digital transformation, compliance, marketing, talent management, wellbeing and cash flow. Delivered by industry experts, the sessions provided practical tools that entrepreneurs could immediately apply within their businesses.
Together, the Knowledge Hubs created a powerful platform for learning and business development, equipping SMEs with both the market access knowledge and operational expertise needed to grow sustainably. The sessions are expected to have a lasting impact by improving supplier readiness, enhancing competitiveness and creating greater confidence among businesses seeking to participate in larger supply chains.
Knowledge Hub Partners
Corporate Companies
- GP Provincial Treasury
- Eskom
- Telkom
- Transnet
- Discovery
- PepsiCo
- Rand Water
- Absa
Consulting & Support
- Absa – Funding readiness
- Tendrai – AI-powered procurement
- ejoobi – Smarter hiring and job seeker programmes
- ControlPro – Leveraging ESD funding and support
- Hot Mustard – Marketing, sales and business growth
- nFold – Proposal and tender-writing strategies
- EverJOURNEY Coaching & Wellness – Resilience, focus and performance
- Shiluvah – People risk and HR management
- mLab – Digital transformation and business growth
- Xerus Consulting – Compliance for tenders and opportunities
- Story Advantage Marketing Agency – AI-driven lead generation
- Ndzumo Consulting – Cashflow management for SMEs
