BUILDING BUSINESS
“Without prosperous local economies, the people have the power and the land no voice.” – Wendell Berry, novelist and farmer
One of the most critical cornerstones of a thriving community is a thriving local economy. Ranyaka’s Building Business programme includes the development of local entrepreneurs as described below, but also focuses on the bigger picture – those aspects that influence, disrupt or enable local economic development. This includes, for example, transportation of people and goods; the safety of the environment within which business takes place; and the availability of sufficient infrastructure.
The entrepreneurship and enterprise development leg of our Building Business programme includes:
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Identifying and supporting community entrepreneurs and enterprises
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Identifying and supporting community entrepreneurs and enterprises
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Creating access to market opportunities
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Establishing business forums
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Facilitating access to training and mentorship
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Facilitating access to financing
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Providing starter packs for emerging businesses that include e.g. web design, marketing material, personal branding and product photography.
DOWNLOAD OUR BUILDING BUSINESS E-BOOK
The business of rest
About the Building Business SeriesThis story forms part of a series featuring the 22 entrepreneurs who participated in the 2025 Ranyaka Building Business (RBB) programme in Polokwane, Limpopo, and their journeys towards building stronger, more sustainable businesses....
Growing opportunity from the ground up: Phillip Makoela’s farming journey in Polokwane
About the Building Business SeriesThis story forms part of a series featuring the 22 entrepreneurs who participated in the 2025 Ranyaka Building Business (RBB) programme in Polokwane, Limpopo, and their journeys towards building stronger, more sustainable businesses....
Stirring heritage back into modern kitchens: The African Nosh journey
About the Building Business SeriesThis story forms part of a series featuring the 22 entrepreneurs who participated in the 2025 Ranyaka Building Business (RBB) programme in Polokwane, Limpopo, and their journeys towards building stronger, more sustainable businesses....
Pacaltsdorp – What two years have taught us about community, partnership and possibility
Across South Africa, towns face complex challenges: unemployment, unsafe public spaces, limited economic opportunities and fractured local ecosystems. And yet in every community, there are people, ideas and pockets of potential that simply need the right conditions to...
Klapmuts – a journey of partnership, progress and possibility
A small gathering at a school library in early 2016 marked the beginning of Ranyaka's journey in the community of Klapmuts. Fifteen residents and stakeholders met to discuss a shared vision for the area, laying the groundwork for future planning and development. This...
Darling: A journey of trust and transformation
Darling, in the Western Cape, has set a bold vision: to become the country’s first green, resilient, and inclusive town. Getting there will require a foundation of trust, strategic partnerships, and strong community engagement.





