Local entrepreneurs recently received assistance through the West Coast Business Development Centre (WCBDC) with their revenue and property enquiries.
Officials from the South African Revenue Services (Sars) and Companies Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) visited the centre on Monday 27 May and Thursday 30 May.
Sars assisted around 38 businesses with issues relating to among others VAT and pay as you earn (PAYE) during their visit.
“This is a valued service as it is the only opportunity that many businesses get to engage directly with Sars. Businesses were assisted with specific issues relating to their business such as skills development levies and income tax,” explains interim centre manager, Lynn Maggot.
The CIPC team offered a half day training session the following week, which was attended by 22 entrepreneurs. Participants were trained to deal with a range of services, including business registration, making changes to the businesses and the submission of annual returns, on the CIPC online platform.
Maggot adds that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) understand the value of the services offered by the centre, as it gives them an opportunity to sort out any issues that potentially prevent them from being able to respond to business opportunities; by way of tenders from government and corporates, which will ultimately assist in growing their business.
The WCBDC has made two computers available (excluding Thursdays) to clients to use for matters relating to CIPC and Sars, a service offered to clients since the inception of the WCBDC over two decades ago.
“True empowerment of SMMEs is about them being able to transact online and taking responsibility in ensuring their business is compliant,” said Maggot.
Clients are asked to pre-book 30 minute computer slots by contacting Selina at 022 714 1731, or email her at reception@wcbdc.co.za.
The centre’s compliance officers Luleka Khibithwayo (White City) and Joy Gallant (Piketberg) will be on hand to assist and help navigate the systems.
