The Small Enterprise Development Agency and South African National Parks have jointly unveiled a Business Development Programme for 110 small commercial operators, concessionaires and Biodiversity Social Projects contractors in the Garden Route National Park.

SANParks said in a press release that the pilot project would be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

“The participating operators will include zipline activities, food vendors, car wash, water-based commercial operators, and restaurants. A needs analysis on all the participating SMMEs will be done towards creating an implementation plan,” reads the media statement.

This project is aligned with the District Development Model outcomes, and embodies a cooperative relationship between all spheres of government and entities that will work in unison in an impact-oriented way.

According to SANParks, the Business Development Programme aspect of the project is an important step towards creating sustainable opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the Garden Route. By supporting these small enterprises, the participating entities are contributing to the overall economic development of communities.