The CDI’s SCALE (Supporting Creatives + Accelerating Local Enterprises) project is celebrating several significant milestones, including the disbursement of R1.5 million in total to its 202 participants across the country to date.

Since the project launched in early 2023 the CDI’s SCALE team has delivered:

• 1606 hours of mentorship provided to project beneficiaries. 
• The disbursement of YOCO point of sale devices to each participant.
• 184 of the participants have registered on CDI’s PEEK platform and have access to wider audiences.
• All participants have attended and successfully completed 10 courses on topics ranging from HR Management to Finance to Marketing and Social Media for business.

In addition to this, approximately 20% of the businesses have experienced more than 5% increase in revenue, which is another projected outcome of the project.

A first for the craft and design sector, SCALE is supported by the National Treasury’s Job Fund and was created to reduce barriers for informal businesses and entrepreneurs by providing each participant with a R23 000 grant and giving them access to relevant training and mentorship opportunities through LEARN, CDI’s online learning platform, as well as market exposure through PEEK.

CDI Group CEO, Erica Elk, says that in the last 12 years the CDI has run two projects supported by the Jobs Fund, which have been specifically for larger, more formal businesses. The SCALE programme is quite different – it is designed for those who may be operating more informally, have an annual turnover of under R1m and participants don’t need to have a registered business. The project is designed to  enable participants to grow personally as an entrepreneur no matter where they are in their stage of business development.

Gauteng-based jeweller and owner of Peachyplum.rsa , Phindile Kotane, says that part of the reason of her brand’s ongoing success is due to her long-standing association with the CDI and projects such as SCALE. “The learning and growth opportunities provided through this project, together with the patient mentorship and advice and the ongoing support of the team behind-the-scenes has been invaluable. The time, effort and consistency that goes into ensuring that we as beneficiaries are treated with the utmost respect and kindness is impactful, important and highly appreciated,” said Phindile.

Fashion designer, founder and owner of Cape Town clothing label, Afrogrunge, Anita Hlazo is excited by the progress she’s noted since implementing the learnings and advice provided by the project:

“I’ve employed the services of both a freelance digital marketing strategist and a part-time seamstress which has made a huge impact on how I run my business. The digital marketing strategist manages my social media which has resulted in traffic to and sales on my website. On his first day, the seamstress and I were able to complete several new items which increased stock on the shop floor and together, we were able to complete a huge order of t-shirts and tote bags for another business on the very same day!”

Olwethu Kwayiba, the CDI’s SCALE programme manager, added that, “the SCALE project has reached remarkable milestones, demonstrating our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across South Africa. With R1.5 million disbursed to 202 participants and various successes such as a comprehensive training programme, access to markets, and revenue growth, we are proud of the tangible impact achieved. Our team's dedication in adapting and refining the programme ensures its success, paving the way for even greater accomplishments in the future."

SCALE is also supported by the contribution of existing funding partners of the CDI, such as the City of Cape Town, and adds value to the agglomeration of services supported by other funders of the CDI such as the national departments of Small Business Development and Sports, Arts and Culture, the V&A Waterfront and others. 

Image above: Afrogrunge

Image above: Peachyplum.rsa