Property Point, the enterprise development initiative founded by Growthpoint Properties, has opened the door to limitless opportunities for two SMEs with a sponsorship to attend the 50th annual South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Convention and Property Exhibition in Sandton later this month.

Property Point has seen almost 100 SMEs participate in its two-year incubation programme. Established in 2008, it provides entrepreneurs operating within South Africa’s property sector with the necessary skills, training and personal development they need to grow their businesses and see them reach their full potential, compete in the open market and meet the industry’s supply chain needs.

Generating over R451 million in procurement opportunities for these SMEs, Property Point’s programme has assisted these enterprises in achieving a reported revenue growth of up to 54.5% and has also been instrumental in growing these small business to create over 1,100 jobs so far.

Shawn Theunissen, Head of CSR at Growthpoint Properties and Head of Property Point, says: “We pride ourselves in partnering with dynamic entrepreneurs, working with them to grow their SMEs into sustainable businesses that also have added benefits like job creation. We find the biggest challenge for SMEs is finding real procurement opportunities, and so by giving entrepreneurs unprecedented access to decision makers in the industry they serve at the SAPOA Convention, we’re actually making a real impact in terms of growth for small businesses,” says

Property Point hopes to give these small businesses greater insight into the industry and its procurement opportunities at SAPOA’s annual convention and property exhibition. And, if all goes well, they could even match these growing businesses with opportunities.

Qualified Quantity Surveyor, Thapelo Tlhapane will be representing his business - TT Holdings - at the convention. Established in 2012, the company specialises in Quantity Surveying, providing a range of services which include cost planning, advice and feasibility studies as well as contract administration and reporting. Based in Johannesburg, TT Holdings aims to enhance its base of business skills while perfecting its craft through participation in the Property Point programme.

“We’ve just started on the programme, but I can already see positive changes in my company. With Property Point’s expertise, my business has definitely been raised to the next level. I am looking forward to showing off some these newly learned skills at the convention,” says Tlhapane.

Joining Tlhapane will be Rahab Mononyane who established her company, Mapitsi Holdings, in 2012. Mapitsi Holdings offers landscaping services and garden maintenance, also providing irrigation installation and maintenance, indoor plant supply and organic vegetable gardening services.

“We have been blessed with an opportunity to learn and grow and I’m holding on to it with both hands. I know for sure that the Property Point team truly care about my business, and I’m really looking forward to what the future has in store,” Mononyane says.

SAPOA’s Convention and Exhibition is set to bring together a host of significant national and international property professionals, all under one roof. Showcasing contributions from world-class owners, developers and built environment professionals who have enhanced the industry with smarter and more beautiful buildings, the convention will undoubtedly provide both Tlhapane and Mononyane with new insights and opportunities.

“We are excited to be introducing these two businesses to other likeminded corporates. We have already proven that SMEs working through the Property Point programme are well equipped with the necessary skills to compete in any environment, from engaging effectively and identifying new opportunities for their already growing businesses, to delivering high quality products and services. This is an exciting venture for both companies, and I look forward to watching them excel at the convention and after it,” says Theunissen.