The Inaugural National Presidential SMME and Cooperatives Awards were held on the 13th of November 2022 and was a momentous occasion that celebrated small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives that drive economic growth and create employment opportunities in South Africa.

The purpose of the day was to recognise the outstanding successes in the SMME space. One of the key highlights of the day was the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting SMMEs and cooperatives as critical drivers of economic growth and job creation.

22 ON SLOANE was one of the award recipients during the SMME and Cooperative Awards, receiving the Ecosystem Facilitator and Champion award. Our mission is to work towards building sustainable ecosystems that enable positive economical change.

The winners of the awards were an inspiring showcase of entrepreneurial excellence and innovation. From innovative agri-businesses and sustainable manufacturing ventures to tech startups and community-based cooperatives, the winners represented the diversity and dynamism of the SMME sector in South Africa.

The event also provided a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, as SMMEs and cooperatives had the opportunity to connect with policymakers, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. The winners shared their success stories, best practices, and lessons learned, inspiring others to emulate their achievements. The event also served as a catalyst for collaboration and partnerships, with stakeholders from the public and private sectors pledging their support for SMMEs and cooperatives in driving inclusive economic growth.

The SMME Awards aims to coordinate all key role players in the ecosystem in support of small enterprise development. Furthermore, these awards recognised and celebrated the best performing SMMEs, Cooperatives, Ecosystem Enablers and Corporates that are supporting SMME development.

President Ramaphosa emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for SMMEs to thrive, including access to finance, markets, skills development, and supportive policies. He also recognised the resilience and determination of SMMEs, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams echoed the President’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of SMMEs and cooperatives in addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in South Africa. She emphasized the role of the Department of Small Business Development in providing targeted support to SMMEs, including funding, mentorship, and capacity-building programs. Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams also stressed the need to promote inclusivity and diversity within the SMME sector, particularly by empowering youth, women, and marginalized communities to participate fully in the economy.

In conclusion, the Inaugural National Presidential SMME and Cooperatives Awards 2022 was a success!