The Youth Voice Reporter
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) has kicked off its SMME Funding and Business Support Roadshow in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, drawing a strong turnout of entrepreneurs eager to access funding opportunities and business support.
The opening session focused on unpacking MEGA’s mandate, outlining the various funding options available, and guiding small business owners through the requirements needed to qualify for financial assistance. Officials also emphasised the importance of properly positioning businesses when applying for funding, highlighting common mistakes that often lead to unsuccessful applications.
Beyond formal presentations, the session provided a platform for direct engagement between entrepreneurs and support institutions. Business owners raised concerns around limited access to finance, operational challenges, and the broader barriers they face when attempting to secure funding.
MEGA representatives, alongside funding partners, responded to questions and offered practical guidance aimed at improving applicants’ chances of success.Among those who attended, entrepreneur Zanele Khoza said the session was both insightful and empowering, noting that the presence of different stakeholders on the panel made a meaningful difference in the quality of information shared.Khoza said she was happy to have attended the engagement, describing it as enlightening due to the range of funding institutions present.
She added that many of the questions she had going into the session were answered, and she left with a clearer understanding of what is required when applying for business funding across different entities.
The roadshow forms part of MEGA’s ongoing efforts to bridge the information gap between government support programmes and small businesses, many of which continue to struggle with access to clear, reliable funding information.MEGA says the initiative will continue across other districts in the province, with the aim of reaching more entrepreneurs and strengthening support for the growth and sustainability of SMMEs.