DURBAN - The South Regional Business Fair is set to give 84 businesses a huge economic boost and help them to create new networks.
The fair which started today and will end on Sunday is taking place at the KwaMyandu Shopping Centre in uMlazi and is expected to draw in 16 000 buyers, potential investors and partners.
These 84 businesses will be exhibiting their locally made products at the business fair.
Besides the exhibition of products, the fair will be empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through new development features that will be available there.
According to the eThekwini's Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit Programme Manager Nonku Mthembu spoke about the new features.
Mthembu said, "We will create a live outdoor exhibition where experienced crafters will transfer skills to attendees by teaching them to create handmade craft".
Pottery classes will also be available at the fair and it they are aimed at school going kids and adults.
Another new addition to the fair is the Natural Beauty Seminar that will be making its debut.
According to Mthembu, the hair industry is booming and a team of natural hair experts will be at the fair to offer lessons.
There will also be a film masterclass that 50 budding filmmakers will be a part of. The masterclass will be headlined by the Municipality's Film Office Cine Culture and e-tv's new tv show Imbewu: The Seed. Thereafter the budding filmmakers will head to the Imbewu studios to offer the filmmakers a first-hand experience of filming.
Other sessions that will be held at the fair include a Business Indaba and youth business connect as well as innovative transfer skills.
Mthembu urged the business community and the public to come to the fair and support and buy local goods.
Mthembu said, "The whole idea of regional business fairs is to revitalise township and rural economies and this can only be achieved if we all play a role".