CAN THE INNER CITIES BE ENGINES FOR SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH?

Globally and nationally, it has been widely acknowledged that SMMEs have a critical role to play in generating employment and developing human capital. These businesses contribute significantly to the growth of the national economy through the provision of services to consumers and other enterprises. Additionally, these SMMEs are not just providers of services to consumers; they also consume services from the suppliers of their products. In this regard, there is a symbiotic relationship that stimulates an upstream economic activity among suppliers and downstream among their consumers. This twin objective of promoting economic growth by creating employment and reducing poverty has remained a vital objective of the national government. In addition, a stable business environment is critical for these objectives to be realized. There are critical training needs for small business operators; Information Communication Technologies (ICT)are relevant in promoting SMME growth in the inner city, controlling crime in the Central Business District is critical, while assistance with tax registration and compliance is necessary for small businesses.