Many of the country’s hotel groups have come to recognise the importance of supporting local SMEs as part of their business models, and are looking to local entrepreneurs and business owners to form the backbone of their supply chains.

This is also in line with the principles of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Framework which works to ensure South African black-owned small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) become suppliers to local and international companies.

Here is how these 3 hotel chains are empowering local SMEs.

Tsogo Sun

The hotel chain runs the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneurs programme. This year they inducted 42 new beneficiaries from 30 different SMEs for a year of intense training, coaching, mentorship and support – to assist them to professionalise and grow their businesses. This brings to 242 the total number of entrepreneurs supported by the programme.

The SMES are from a diverse range of market sectors that include: tourism, ICT, cleaning, professional services, manufacturing, retail, health and beauty, agriculture and secretarial and administrative services.

As part of its efforts to uplift and support businesses in all industries within tourism and hospitality, Tsogo Sun also hosts an annual Supplier Showcase, offering suppliers an opportunity to showcase their products and services nationwide.

The products and services range from accommodation and cleaning services to arts and crafts, as well as catering, spa treatments and gardening services, according to Business Events Africa.

Sun International

The Sun International Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programme focuses on black-owned SMMEs within their tourism supply chain, including food and beverages, casino and gaming to logistics and marketing.

According to their website, to apply for the programme, business are required to have been trading for a minimum of two years, and should provide a product or service directly related to the Sun International supply chain.

Sun International’s ESD Programme contributes by:

• supporting the introduction and development of black-owned Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) businesses in our supply chain
• offering business opportunities to qualifying E&SD beneficiaries where possible
• focusing on the sustainability of the beneficiaries within the programme
• supporting the objective of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030
• supporting strategic category management plans
• using ESD funds to achieve meaningful value within the communities within which we operate

Courtesy of SME South Africa – read full article here.