SMME Development

The Afrimat ESD Programme has been transformational for my business. The Absa Masterclasses, mentorship, and networking opportunities helped me improve operations, gain new clients, and grow my team. Exhibiting at the Absa ESD Expo gave my business powerful visibility, and I recommend similar showcases in the Northern Cape to benefit more entrepreneurs. Thanks to the programme, my profits have increased and my business is on a stronger growth path. I fully support its continuation and expansion.

Through the Afrimat ESD Programme, our business gained invaluable knowledge and support. The bi-weekly Masterclasses delivered exceptional insights, while one-on-one consulting with Joff Wickens provided priceless guidance and performance tools. Although the Absa ESD Expo was more city-focused, we are grateful to Paulina for encouraging us to join. The programme has truly empowered our small business, the heartbeat of our community’s economy.

“Participating in the Afrimat ESD Programme equipped me with valuable skills, refined my business strategy, and opened doors to new opportunities. The Masterclasses, consulting sessions, and Supplier MatchUp events led to meaningful connections, increased revenue, and team growth. With the support of Paulina Wehmeyer and the ESD Project team, my business has seen notable profit gains and is on a stronger path to success. I highly recommend this programme to other entrepreneurs.

The Afrimat ESD Programme strengthened our business foundation through expert Masterclasses and tailored consulting with Joff Wickins. Supplier MatchUp Sessions and vendor portal registration opened doors to new opportunities, expanding our network and positioning us for future growth. With a team now 25 strong, we’ve gained the knowledge, confidence, and connections to scale Zilon Bulk Bags. While profits have fluctuated, the programme gives us hope for securing new clients and sustaining long-term success.

This Programme provides a valuable platform for SMMEs to engage with buyers who would otherwise be challenging to reach through regular business channels.

The expo was excellently organised and offered great networking opportunities. Even though no immediate deals were signed, we generated ten promising leads, and created a strong future pipeline. It was an invaluable platform for our visibility and building new connections. We would definitely exhibit again.