In October 2024, Growthpoint Properties, in partnership with Property Point, launched an Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme at Beacon Bay Retail Park in East London. The programme was introduced during a period of refurbishment and expansion at the centre, with the aim of equipping SMMEs to seize the emerging opportunities created by the development.
Since inception, the programme has already supported 20 local businesses, offering targeted training, mentorship, and real access to markets. Beyond the numbers, it’s the stories of growth and momentum that stand out.
What makes this programme different is its focus on real-world outcomes, helping entrepreneurs become more resilient, better prepared, and more competitive in the local economy. Through compliance training, personalised mentorship, and supplier readiness support, small businesses aren’t just learning how to operate; they’re being equipped to participate.
The shift is already visible: business owners are more confident, their systems are stronger, and they’re starting to secure opportunities that were previously out of reach.
The Beacon Bay Retail Park EDP is a great example of what can happen when enterprise development is designed with intention, access, and action in mind and not just supporting growth, but helping it take root locally.
This hands-on, two-pronged approach is already shaping a more inclusive local economy, one where contractors, service providers, and skilled tradespeople are better equipped to compete, win contracts, and grow sustainably. The ripple effects are clear: businesses are not only building capacity, but also building confidence to reinvest in their teams and communities.
“When we invest in entrepreneurs, we’re investing in the social and economic fabric of South Africa,” says Shawn Theunissen, Founder of Property Point “These businesses don’t just survive, they grow, create jobs, and spark a sense of possibility for others coming up behind them.”
It’s a reminder that enterprise development isn’t just about business, it’s about building ecosystems where local talent gets a fair shot and a real chance to thrive.
In just six months, the programme has:
- Conducted in-depth baseline assessments for all participating businesses, identifying priority growth areas in Regulatory Compliance, Financial Management, and Costing & Pricing.
- Delivered over 120 training seats in Occupational Health & Safety and Technical Compliance.
- Facilitated workshops on CIDB registration, health and safety, environmental compliance, labour law, and contracting.
- Provided masterclasses on business scaling, BBBEE compliance, and strategic marketing.
- Facilitated access to employment and procurement opportunities for local labour and SMMEs, amounting to R8.1 million, across various trades including roofing, electrical installations, plumbing, tiling, and ceiling work.
Beyond the numbers, the programme is creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs who are rewriting what success looks like in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Breaking Barriers in Construction – Pumza Mpulampula
Former teacher turned construction business owner, Pumza Mpulampula, founded Inati Holdings with sheer determination and a belief in what she wanted to achieve. Inspired by her cousin, now her site supervisor, Pumza learned to navigate the technical and business side of construction. “Through these interventions, I’ve grown. I say I’ve gone from Grade 1 to Grade 3, and I’m still learning,” she says. Her sights are set on building not just infrastructure, but a legacy her children can inherit.
Hard Hat, Soft Heart – Khokela Sowata
As the founder of Lukho-Kela Supplies and Services, Khokela Sowata balances running plastering and landscaping projects with caring for two daughters and her elderly parents. “You can tender for a year and get nothing,” she says. “You learn to wait. To stretch resources. To hold onto your people even when work isn’t immediate.” With the skills gained through the enterprise development programme, Khokela is planning to scale her business to over R8 million annually within five years.
Forged in Fire – Sintu Tom
For Sintu Tom, the founder of ML Welding, his business began as a solution to a personal crisis after repeated break-ins at his liquor store. He turned to welding to create security infrastructure, and with Property Point and the enterprise development programme backing, transformed his hustle into a sustainable business. “Don’t sit too long on your plan,” he advises other entrepreneurs. “If there’s a market for it, get going.”
The Beacon Bay Retail Park enterprise development programme, supported by Growthpoint Properties and implemented by Property Point, is more than a skills programme, it’s a bridge to market access, financial stability, and community development. As these entrepreneurs show, when small businesses are given the right tools, they don’t just grow; they inspire others to build, adapt, and lead.