The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with 22ON Sloane and the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA), hosted a series of Entrepreneurship Boost Workshops on 1, 10 and 15 July 2025.

Held at Braampark in​ Braamfontein, ​the workshops empowered 300 township-based retailers with practical skills to grow and sustain their businesses. Participants gained insights on overcoming challenges, improving operations, enhancing customer service, managing stock, and applying effective pricing strategies.

Deputy Director at DED, Nkhensani Maluleke, said the initiative supports the City’s broader strategy to grow sustainable township economies through access to skills, finance and markets.

“It was lovely, refreshing. I got great ideas on how to run a business and improve processes,” said Luleka Vuba from Lulemy Trading and Projects in Cosmo City. “I’ll recommend it to others who want to scale and focus more on customers.”

Another attendee added: “We learned to prioritise customer needs, manage stock efficiently using the ‘first-in, first-out’ method, and apply pricing that works for both the business and the customer.”

Each participant received a certificate of completion and a R5 000 grant to reinvest into their business. The City remains committed to building an inclusive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.