PURCO SA ESD training

Enterprise and Supplier Development is a formidable vehicle in ensuring the capacitation of small businesses and fostering local procurement. However, the true value and impact of ESD can only be achieved if the envisioned interventions are done right and are measured with high levels of commitment and investment. Running an ESD training requires the ability to select the right entrepreneurs that are eager to learn and have the commitment to stay for the duration of the course of the programme, but most importantly, it opens up the doors to procurement opportunities and access to market in the Higher Education sector.

PURCO SA is the Purchasing Consortium for the Higher Education Sector in Southern Africa, with a Membership of 65 institutions, encompassing of all 26 Public Universities in South Africa, 23 TVET Colleges, institutions in the private Higher Education sector such as the Independent Institute of Education and Research bodies such as the CSIR, SABS and National Research Foundation.

“PURCO SA is always delighted to hear the success stories and see the steady progress of our participants in the PURCO SA ESD programmes. We are certainly making a difference through these regular ESD programmes to develop and train SMME in creating a pathway for them to gain access to the procurement spend of the Higher Education Sector. Our commitment is firm in this regard.” said PURCO SA CEO Selvan Govender.

The PURCO SA ESD strategy helps build a sustainable procurement value chain for Higher Education by empowering emerging black businesses, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. The strategy has evolved as part of a wider initiative by Higher Education Institutions, to support supply chain inclusivity and diversity, and to build sustainable small business relationships.

The PURCO SA ESD leverages two drivers: Access to markets by enabling emerging businesses to participate in Higher Education tenders and contracts; and Development, through PURCO SA training that reaches hundreds of emerging suppliers every year.

The training will be delivered online for all four (4) PURCO SA regions using a virtual platform, enabling more suppliers to benefit. This year, the training will be taking place from 8-9 May 2023 from 09H00 to 15H30.

Businesses with an annual turnover of less than two million rand are eligible to participate in the programme. Beneficiary companies are recommended by Member institutions or carefully selected from the PURCO SA database of more than 20 000 suppliers.

The two-day programme focuses on actionable skills, mentorship, and operational support. Some of the content that will be shared in the training includes the following:

• Business strategy
• Success fundamentals
• Sales success fundamentals
• Understanding business finances and financial management
• Learning how to market their businesses
• Access new business opportunities and improve their overall business operations.

Delegates regularly report that the training has resulted in visible improvements in the day-to-day running of their businesses.

Businesses who would like to be considered for the next round of Enterprise and Supplier Development training should register on the PURCO SA Tender Database at www.purcosa.co.za.