Exxaro Hosts Funding Readiness Workshop
to Empower Local Entrepreneurs
Exxaro Hosts Funding
Readiness Workshop
On Monday, 10 February 2025, Exxaro hosted the Funding Readiness Workshop at the Matla Mine Multipurpose Halll. Designed as the ultimate toolkit for local entrepreneurs, the event aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to attract investors, secure loans, and access grants.
The workshop provided essential business fundamentals, including crafting a compelling business plan, understanding market dynamics, developing financial projections, assembling a strong team, and implementing innovative risk strategies.
Buhleng Masake, Community Development Specialist at Exxaro Matla Coal, emphasised the company’s commitment to local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), stating: “Exxaro has taken a stance to support local SMMEs because we believe they are the backbone of our economy. We need to prepare them to participate in various opportunities within the mining sector and across South Africa. Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to be competitive in their respective markets.”
The initiative was met with enthusiasm from local entrepreneurs, including community member Mandla Simelane, who shared: “We are very excited about initiatives like this from Exxaro. As the immediate community, we want to grow, learn, and position ourselves to be fundable so that we can do business with Exxaro and beyond.”
The four-hour event was packed with engaging sessions, hands-on tools, and meaningful networking opportunities. Attendees benefited from:
Game-Changing Insights – Practical knowledge of business growth, investment attraction, and financial planning.
Exclusive Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Consultations – Personalised advice from industry experts to enhance funding readiness.
Networking and Support – Opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and funding specialists.
With catered lunch breaks and an interactive format, the workshop was more than just an educational session—it was a launchpad for business success. Exxaro successfully implemented the workshop with strategic partners, including the South African Revenue Services (SARS), I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR, and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
By hosting this initiative, Exxaro continues to foster economic empowerment, ensuring that local businesses have the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. The Funding Readiness Workshop is just one of many steps in Exxaro’s broader mission to create sustainable economic opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and communities.
