Local Economic Development Division

Core Functions of a Local Economic Development Division:

1. Business Support & Development

• Assists local businesses with permits, regulations, and accessing resources.
• Provides training, mentorship, and funding opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Attracts and retains investment in the community.

2. Job Creation & Skills Development

• Partners with educational institutions and employers to create training programs aligned with local job needs.
• Promotes workforce development, especially among youth, women, and marginalized groups.

3. Investment Promotion

• Markets the town or region as an attractive location for investment.
• Facilitates relationships between investors, government, and community stakeholders.
• Supports infrastructure development to enable economic growth.

4. SMME & Informal Sector Support

• Offers programs and initiatives to empower Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and informal traders.
• Helps with registration, compliance, and market access.

5. Local Procurement & Supplier Development

• Encourages local government and private sectors to source goods and services locally.
• Builds capacity of local suppliers to meet procurement standards.

6. Strategic Planning & Policy Development

• Develops and implements local economic development strategies and policies.
• Conducts research on the local economy to inform planning and decision-making.

7. Community Empowerment Projects

• Facilitates co-operatives and community-based enterprises, especially in rural or underserved areas.
• Promotes inclusive economic participation.

8. Event Management & Promotion

• Organizes expos, business forums, and gala dinners (like the Expo Gala) to connect businesses, government, and the community.
• Showcases local products, services, and investment opportunities.