WOMAN LED LOCAL ENTERPRISE ACHIEVES BUSINESS GOALS WITH FUNDING SUPPORT

Tenacity and an unwavering commitment to grow her business has resulted in this woman-owned and led company, Strong’s Pest Control and Cleaning Solutions, being awarded a lucrative multi-million Rand contract, with the support of REISA.

Having received grant funding from REISA during the first quarter of this year to purchase a company vehicle; two mobile office units; as well as pest control products and equipment, the owner of this local enterprise, Cathleen Strong, applied her persistence and hard work to grasp the opportunity to expand her business. She was able to secure a 3-year contract at Sishen Mine for the eradication of weeds and invasive species, thereby creating job opportunities for 22 local people.

REISA has supported a number of local enterprises since it began its operations in August 2014 as part of its Enterprise Development Programme that includes grant funding coupled with Business Mentoring and Coaching. The Enterprise Development Programme is in essence an incubation programme that supports enterprises across industries and sectors, all within the Gamagara Municipal area, including Kathu, Olifantshoek, Dibeng, Siyathemba, Babatas and Mapoteng. It aims to help accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial businesses, ultimately stimulating the local economic growth and creating opportunities for the economic participation of previously disadvantaged groups.

“We also approved supplementary funding for equipment and safety gear, as well as a 2-month subsidy towards operational costs to assist the business in delivering quality service to Sishen Mine. This was in addition to the owner also investing her personal funds to contribute towards the procurement of integral assets for this new contract,” explained Sizile Mabaso, Chief Community Operations Officer of REISA.

The owner has also acquired additional certification in General Pest Management and Termites and Wood Destroying Organisms, thus positioning the business as a knowledgeable and skilled pest management entity.

In addition to benefitting Strong’s Pest Control, REISA’s Enterprise Development Programme has also provided assistance to Gamagara Cape Solar Solutions, My Idea Garden Services, Allmar Engineering, Lemphe Logistics, WBB Medical Billing and Consulting, Wekhaya Security, Con Pollo Catering, HGL Energy Solutions and Olifantshoek Trading Enterprises (OTE).