Thinking of starting a small business but don't know how to go about it? Or are you an entrepreneur who needs some guidance on how to take your business idea forward? Then Small Business Week 2009 is the place for you.

This week long event, which takes place from from 17-19 November, is one of the best platforms for business owners (including those who aspire to own their own businesses) to showcase developmental initiatives and establish networks.

Organised by the City of Cape Town in partnership with the Provincial Government of the Western Cape and Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Small Business Week has contributed towards the development of small businesses in Cape Town and the Western Cape since its inception 10 years ago.

With many businesses feeling the pinch as a result of the economic downturn, the main focus of this year’s Small Business Week will be on business opportunities, including access to finance through financial institutions; market access (government, parastatal and private); and capacity building (business development service providers).

One of the other areas of focus will be on providing information on the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

According to Thembinkosi Siganda, Director: Economic Human Development Department, skills development is also an important aspect of Small Business Week and will be addressed through the Skills Indaba.

At the Skills Indaba, there will be programmes on topics such as business planning, raising finance, costing and pricing, money management and tourism.

"If you want to grow your business, come to Small Business Week to network. If you want to start a business, come to find out how to go about getting going. The opportunity to position Small Business Week 2009 alongside Global Entrepreneurship Week is significant. It is a perfect and logical move. We would like to ensure that the City of Cape Town and exhibitors receive value for their investment to participate in the event,” Siganda said.

Exhibitors at Small Business Week include large corporates, finance institutions, government agencies, Red Door and SEDA.

A database and linkages programme will ensure that business owners are linked to each other before, during and after the event.

Place: Good Hope Centre
Date: 17–19 November 2009
Time: 09:00–17:00
Entrance is free and open to the public.