The Eastern Cape Development Corporation(ECDC) has a mandate to plan, co-ordinate, finance, market, promote, and implement development of the Province and its people in various fields including commerce, agriculture, transportation, and finance. In this regard, the Corporation plays a central role in driving structured economic development throughout the Eastern Cape.
Moreover, as a leader in facilitating inclusive sustainable economic growth, it is the mission of the ECDC to effectively promote and co-ordinate inclusive economic development through innovative finance and investment solutions. Accordingly, the Corporation seeks to ensure that economic progress is both sustainable and broadly beneficial to the people of the Province.
Furthermore, the ECDC is strategically positioned to drive a growing, diversified, inclusive, and robust Eastern Cape economy; in particular, the development of a competitive and sustainable micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector that contributes meaningfully to the Province’s socio-economic development. In this context, Dream Team Capital can assist MSMEs with the necessary developments to attain funding and, consequently, improve their prospects of successful participation in funding programmes.
Strategic Themes of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation(ECDC)
In alignment with its mandate and overarching development objectives, the strategic themes of the ECDC include the following:
Economic transformation, inclusive growth and competitiveness;
Customer focused solutions;
Operational efficiency and financial sustainability;
Pioneering innovation in the key growth sectors; and
Attracting and retaining the best talent in the sector.
Collectively, these themes guide the Corporation’s approach to development and, in turn, ensure that its initiatives remain responsive, sustainable and impact-driven.
Legislation and Policy Frameworks of the ECDC
In order to fulfil its mandate effectively and within a regulated environment, the ECDC operates within a comprehensive legislative and policy framework. This framework includes, among others, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation Act No. 2 of 1997;
- White paper on SMME promotion;
- National Small Business Act 29 of 2004, as amended;
- Co-operatives Act No. 14 of 2005, as amended;
- Co-operatives Bank Act No. 40 of 2007;
- Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act No. 5 of 2000;
- Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act No. 46 of 2013, as amended;
- Companies Act No. 71 of 2008, as amended;
- National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005, as amended;
- Prescription Act No. 68 of 1969; and the
- Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 1999.
Taken together, these legislative instruments provide the regulatory foundation within which the ECDC operates and, consequently, ensure accountability, transparency and alignment with national and provincial development priorities.
The ECDC also provides non-financial support instruments to support the general health, competitiveness and productivity of small businesses:
The ECDC also provides non-financial support instruments to support the general health, competitiveness and productivity of small businesses. In addition to financial assistance, and equally importantly, these instruments are designed to strengthen operational capacity, compliance standards and long-term sustainability. They include:
- Business advice & counselling;
- Business plan development;
- Mentorship programmes (Enterprise Development Programme);
- Quality management support;
- Marketing support & Market Access;
- Intellectual property registration support; and
- Business management training.
Through these support mechanisms, and by reinforcing both strategic and operational competencies, small businesses are better positioned to enhance their competitiveness and, ultimately, achieve sustainable growth within the provincial economy.
For more information on the Fund, stakeholders are therefore encouraged not to hesitate to contact DTC.
