If the MICE industry listened, even with only one ear, there were great opportunities for the independent planners out there to sit up and take notice.
Speaking in his first major budget speech on the 25 February Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene provided huge encouragement for small business operations by announcing the ‘unlocking potential of small enterprises’.
Firstly a generous turnover-tax regime for small businesses would be provided.
More importantly the new Small Business Department, under the guidance of Minister Zulu, would be spending R3.5 billion on mentoring and training support to small businesses. Also the Jobs Fund will spend R4 billion in partnership with the private sector on projects that create new employment, support work-seekers and address structural constraints towards more inclusive growth.
These financial incentives for the budding and struggling independent planners out there, is no small change. Now is the time to get a wake-up call and investigate how your small business can gain major benefits through these government initiatives.
