The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, has launched a new national newspaper which is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and is targeted at Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). According to Minister Davies, the newspaper, called Small Business Connect, will improve the flow of relevant opportunity-related information and business improvement resources in the SMME sector. “Our intention is for Small Business Connect to become the preferred source of information for SMMEs and for it to provide enterprises with information on access to markets, new technologies and networking opportunities; also, to equip them with a better understanding of the environment in which they operate and keep them abreast of developments in the various sectors of the economy,” said Minister Davies. He added that the newspaper was part of the bigger plan to create productive entrepreneurs. “Apartheid neglected SMMEs and we really need serious commitment. To build and strengthen the SMME sector, extraordinary effort is required,” he said. Small Business Connect is a free full colour 20-page monthly publication. 30 000 copies will be distributed to various government departments and business-focused areas throughout the country. The newspaper is also available online: www.smallbusinessconnect.co.za.
