Small business owner? Here’s the declaration that might help you

Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni. Picture: Gallo Images/ Fani Mahuntsi The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small businesses and transforming local economies. This follows the adoption of a new declaration at the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit 2026.

The DSBD, alongside the South African Local Government Association (Salga) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), endorsed the LED Summit Pledge and Declaration on 17 April. The declaration sets out a coordinated plan to turn policy into real economic results at the municipal level. It aims to tackle persistent challenges.

These include high unemployment, inequality, spatial divides, infrastructure backlogs and weak institutional capacity. For small business owners, the declaration signals potential relief from red tape and barriers to entry. One of the key commitments is to overhaul the business licensing system.

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The government plans to introduce one-stop service centres in all districts and metros. These centres will be supported by digital systems, regulatory reforms and the fast-tracking of the Business Licensing Bill. The declaration also aims to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It proposes scalable financing models across all spheres of government. It also includes new funding mechanisms for infrastructure and local economic development projects. Authorities say this could improve project readiness and unlock investment opportunities.

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