The Hout Bay Partnership, a not-for-profit organisation, was established in 2014 with the purpose of promoting integrated social and economic development. It became a stand alone organisation on 1 July 2016. One of its core objectives is to support and transform the existing social and economic activities of the communities of Hout Bay, in particular, Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg and the Valley.
The Hout Bay Partnership needed as study that:
- Provided business needs research and analysis for SMEs in Hout Bay
- Investigated the viability of an incubation and enterprise development hub in the Hout Bay area (to benefit both local existing and potential entrepreneurs and SMEs in the surrounding areas)
- Designed the hub model and fundraising model to be applied in running the hub
The organisation commissioned Enterprise Room to conduct a research and feasibility study and in consultation with the client, determined that the enterprise support hub should be set up with the goal of stimulating the local economy, resulting in job creation and skills development.
The project approach included a combination of desktop research and qualitative interviews that facilitated closing of knowledge gaps identified during the business needs analysis. As part of our deliverables, we:
- Researched and designed demand-side landscape research and analysis – market needs into the public and private sector, consumers, local, regional, and international
- Conducted supply-side landscape research and analysis – focus on informal sector: small, medium, and large businesses
- Identified existing linkages and possible future connections
- Provided requirements for capacity development into skills and training institutions
- Provided assessment of available resources in assets, human resources, and technology
R20 million in funding was secured as a result of recommendations based on our research and strategy.
