The ZNCC recognises the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and their contribution to economic growth, social cohesion, employment and local development. As globalisation and technological change reduce the importance of economies of scale in many activities, the potential contribution of SME’s is enhanced. The Chamber strives to ensure SME’s improve their ability to leverage investment opportunities, expand their reach and achieve their development and investment goals; and contribute in strengthening and diversifying the national economy. In this regard, the Chamber offers entrepreneurial development programmes to SME’s, which focus on the following crucial business areas:

• Marketing Management
• Development of Financial, Marketing and Production Plans
• Purchasing, Pricing and Costing
• Public Relations
• Record Keeping

The Chamber, through its SME’s sub-committee also aims to formulate, monitor and implement policies related to:

• Sub-contracting to SMEs
• Franchising to SMEs
• Market access to SMEs (local and external)
• Setting up of business centres for SMEs in all the country’s regions
• Matching consultancy
• Regularising activities of SMEs
• Local Authorities by-laws and facilities

These initiatives provide a platform for SME’s to overcome challenges and constraints that range from the administrative to the financial and to ensure the promotion of their role in the diversification and consolidation of the national economy, particularly in this time of global financial crisis.