The eThekwini Municipality’s annual rebranded Durban Business Fair will kick start on Friday, 23 September 2011, where big and small business will have chance to showcase and exhibit their product. The Fair which will take place at the Exhibition Centre until Sunday will also to allow big business an opportunity to plan a role in assisting small entrepreneur to exhibit so that small business gain more experience and have access to big business opportunities.
 
The Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, Mr Philip Sithole says that the changes from SMME to Durban Business Fair were informed by a study conducted among almost exhibitors that have been participating in the previous fair. A recommendation was made that we need to involve big businesses to exhibit products which are needed by small business. “For the past 12 years the Fair has been mainly dominated by small businesses and big business felt left out. This time around the Municipality has  decided to allow big business to be involved so that small businesses will have a platform to network with experienced businesses, hence the name was changed to Durban Business Fair,” says Sithole.
 
This year’s Fair will differ from the previous ones as the City also expects a number of exhibitors from outside South Africa to participate. This time around the Fair will also include the food and wine sector where well known chefs from oversees and local will be showcasing their cooking skills and the public will be allowed to taste the food. Inteerior decors will also have an opportunity to showcase their skills so that visitors and potential businesses will buy their product.
 
“The inclusion of such events have really shown the growth of the Fair and that is why the name had to be changed to accommodate and encourage such businesses to participate,” says Sithole. The Municipality is encouraging people in business and those who wish to start businesses in future to make use of the opportunity to meet with well established businesses and to meet with sister cities.
 
shandusanelisiwe@durban.gov.za