Growthpoint Properties’ enterprise development initiative Property Point has welcomed a new batch of small businesses to both its enterprise development and supplier development programmes in 2016.

The 17 new intakes took part in a recent Property Point induction session in Johannesburg, where the businesses were also introduced to Growthpoint’s procurement team and processes.

Growthpoint Properties head of corporate social investment Shawn Theunissen explained that Property Point nurtured small businesses and entrepreneurs to become sustainable, relevant and competitive companies.

“We do this by gaining an understanding of the opportunity-holder, their needs and requirements and filling the gaps with businesses that are able to deliver on these,” he said.

Property Point focused on decreasing the risk perception of small businesses in the property industry, building solid relationships and assisting entrepreneurs to establish a good reputation in representing Growthpoint. Its supplier development intake included businesses that were already approved and active vendors in Growthpoint’s supply chain.

“This creates a win-win situation. In this way, businesses are able to operate at a higher level in terms of service delivery, capacity and quality, which ultimately benefits Growthpoint and its clients,” Theunissen explained.

Almost 100 businesses had, so far, participated in Property Point’s two-year programme, enabling them to generate over R451-million in procurement opportunities, with reported revenue growth of 54.5% and creating over 1 141 jobs.