Beverage can manufacturer Nampak Bevcan has unveiled a Web site designed to help township gathering points connect with their customers and grow their business.
The new site allows owners of placesl like taverns, bars and car washes to upload their business profile free of charge, advertise online, communicate with their customers and invite them to attend their events, says Nampak Bevan in a statement.
According to Alexandra Bouwer, marketing manager for Nampak Bevcan's Can Do brand, the can manufacturer noticed a gap online - there was no go-to-guide for township businesses to promote events and entertainment.
"It is essentially a gig guide featuring all 'kasi' parties and events in South Africa, with many more features that aim to keep Can Do members engaged and excited," Bouwer explains.
Township business owners that do not have Web sites have an opportunity to create an online presence to generate awareness and interest in their businesses, says Bouwer.
The platform also offers such businesses that are already active on social media and have their own Web sites, exposure to a larger market.
Bouwer explains the company has a team that visits the outlets on a regular basis to guide the business owners on how to get their profiles loaded and how to maximise their presence on the Web site.
Can Do has an existing customer base that outlets can interact with online, says Bouwer. "We have supported over 800 outlets with radio, print and online advertising for their business over the past four years, simply because they stock beverage cans, and this Web site is an extension of this support."
Bouwer says the company has hosted talent searches to support young local talent with the Web site they will be able extend their reach. The Web site will allow up-and-coming musicians to upload and promote their music, helping fresh young talent to launch their careers, he adds.
"The site was developed to increase aspiring artists' chances of being discovered and even potentially being booked for a performance at a Can Do event. Kasi spots looking for artists to perform at their venues for their own private gigs are able to connect with these musicians on the Web site."
Another site that helps small businesses connect with each other is the SME Trade Zone. Founded by South Africa-based tech entrepreneur, Andrew Bahlmann, the portal allows small businesses to find, connect and trade with one another.
"It also offers business training and a bulk-purchasing platform to enhance its skills levels and reduce costs. All-in-all, it is a one-stop shop for the small business," says Bahlmann.
Bahlmann says the portal is designed for buyers and sellers to deal directly with each other in a 'free market' environment, adding that no aggregators or middlemen are allowed to form part of the zone.
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