Entrepreneurs in the North West are gaining unprecedented access to corporate supply chains and operational support through Eskom’s Business Connect programme.
The 2025 programme, brought together small business owners, government officials, and industry leaders to provide training, networking, and direct pitching opportunities. The programme has been rolled out across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Free State, with hundreds of SMMEs benefiting since its launch.
According to Eskom, Business Connect was designed to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers such as red tape, limited networks, and high operational costs caused by unreliable energy access. In a country where municipalities distribute around 40% of electricity, mainly serving households and small businesses, the programme aims to alleviate the challenges posed by inconsistent power supply.
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Recent studies indicate that power outages have reduced the potential size of the South African economy by approximately 20% since the inception of load shedding in 2007. This underscores the critical need for initiatives like Business Connect to support SMMEs in navigating the energy crisis.
The Eskom Business Connect programme aligns with the government’s broader efforts to address the energy crisis and support small businesses. According to the Department of Science and Innovation’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, there is a prioritisation of support for small businesses, particularly those in townships and the informal sector, to foster inclusive economic growth.
This initiative complements the government’s actions outlined in the National Energy Crisis Committee’s report, which highlights the importance of interventions to end load shedding and achieve energy security.
The initiative combines workshops on finance, digital marketing, compliance, and business strategy with sessions that connect small firms directly to large corporates and procurement networks. For many participants, the event provided a breakthrough.
Nthabiseng Molefe, who runs a solar installation business in Rustenburg, said the programme opened doors she would never have reached alone.
“As a start-up, it connected me with potential partners and clients I would not have been able to access on my own,” she said.
Similarly, caterer Kabelo Diale highlighted the chance to pitch directly to large corporates.
“We often struggle to break into supply chains, but here we could showcase our services and discuss partnership opportunities,” he said.
Fashion designer Boitumelo Seabi also praised the workshops for providing practical strategies on managing finances and building sustainable businesses.
Eskom Development Foundation CEO Cecil Ramonotsi said supporting SMEs is key to job creation and economic growth.
“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that local businesses are prepared, compliant, and positioned to participate in larger supply chains,” he said.
The North West Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the initiative as a meaningful intervention, linking SMEs to markets and boosting confidence among entrepreneurs. MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, commended the collaboration with partners including the Platinum Incubator and CSIR, noting that clean energy solutions and innovation are critical to sustainable growth and community development.
Business Connect has consistently expanded since its launch. In Gauteng, over 200 SMMEs participated in the 2024 edition, while Limpopo’s programme attracted township-based enterprises in agriculture, catering, and renewable energy. Eskom says the North West event builds on these successes by targeting businesses that often struggle to scale beyond local markets.
For many small business owners, access to guidance, networks, and operational support can be the difference between survival and growth. While navigating compliance requirements and pitching to large corporates can be intimidating, participants said the exposure prepares them for real-world challenges and creates lasting opportunities.
Ramonotsi said Eskom plans to extend Business Connect to additional provinces in 2026 and improve digital application systems to make it easier for entrepreneurs to apply and track progress. “By providing reliable energy access, practical training, and networking opportunities, we are empowering SMMEs to focus on growth instead of red tape,” he said.
