DPD and NSBC join hands to empower South Africa’s small businesses

In a bid to address the pressing challenges faced by small and
medium-sized businesses in South Africa, DPD ZA, one of the country’s
leading couriers, has forged an exciting partnership with the National
Small BusinessChamber (NSBC). The move aims to provide vital support
to this crucial segment of the economy, which plays a significant role
in fostering social stability and economic growth.

Understanding the struggles that entrepreneurs face, DPD ZA embarked
on a mission to listen to its clients. The responses were clear –
small businesses in South Africa grapple with load shedding and
intermittent electricity supply, the high cost of adopting solar power
and batteries, as well as challenges in managing their finances, and
sales and marketing efforts effectively. Additionally, they sought
ways to enhance day-to-day operations, ranging from training to
streamlining packing and delivery processes.

With the challenges laid bare, DPD ZA made the decision to partner
with the National Small Business Chamber for a year-long initiative
that focuses on empowering and supporting these enterprises. This
transformative collaboration will see the delivery giant offering
expert advice through engaging columns and insightful presentations.
As an added incentive, members of the NSBC who sign up for DPD ZA’s
express parcel delivery solution will receive exclusive and more
favourable rates.

Jason Lombard, the CEO of DPD ZA, highlighted the pivotal role small
businesses play in the South African economy. He said, “We believe
that these enterprises are the heartbeat of our nation, and empowering
them can lead to a cascading effect, benefiting communities and the
economy at large. Each and every business matters. And we want to do
our part to help them through a tough and dark period in our economy.

The core of this partnership is the DPD ZA Savvy Business Toolkit, a
comprehensive collection of free resources aimed at equipping small
business owners with the knowledge and tools to overcome their
challenges and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. This toolkit
comprises 25 powerful and value-driven articles, an array of
instructive videos and insightful presentations in person at NSBC
events, all designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical advice
and actionable strategies.

DPD ZA has pooled its network of partnerships to create a diverse
range of resources. From sales tools and tips offered by their
in-house marketing agency, to e-commerce marketing ideas, and
logistical and operational efficiencies that can help save money on
parcel shipments, the toolkit leaves no stone unturned in its quest to
boost small businesses.

Additionally, drawing upon on Geopost’s energy innovations in Europe,
the toolkit addresses the specific energy-related concerns of
entrepreneurs, and has collaborated with solar and finance specialists
to provide guidance in their articles on the best options to finance
solar and load shedding backup solutions. This support ensures that
small businesses can mitigate the impact of power outages and reduce
their dependence on unreliable electricity supply.

The impact of this initiative on South Africa’s small businesses
cannot be understated. By empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge
and tools to become more cost-effective and efficient, this
partnership has the potential to bring about transformative outcomes.
With small and medium-sized businesses contributing significantly to
job creation and economic growth, the initiative is a step towards
fostering a sustainable and thriving business ecosystem.

Commenting on the profound impact of this initiative, Lombard said,
“We are excited to partner with the NSBC in this endeavour to uplift
our nation’s small businesses. By providing invaluable support and
sharing practical insights, we hope to drive lasting change and foster
a stronger economy for all.”

As South Africa grapples with electricity shortages and inflation, the
need to support small businesses becomes even more crucial. Through
the partnership between DPD ZA and the NSBC, the collective expertise
and commitment to empowering entrepreneurs offer a glimmer of hope in
these challenging times.

DPD ZA’s Savvy Business Toolkit, with its wealth of free advice and
practical solutions, has the potential to make a profound impact on
the entrepreneurial landscape. By empowering small and medium-sized
businesses, this partnership not only strengthens the economy but also
paves the way for a more stable and prosperous future for all.

https://www.dpd.com/za/en/