EC Exporter Development Programme

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay

Business Chamber (NMBBC) is calling for applications from all qualifying SMMEs to be part

of the Eastern Cape Exporter Development Programme (ECEDP) aimed at assisting local

companies to start exporting. The programme seeks to provide export related assistance to

the different levels of companies and ensure that the ECDC provides succinct assistance in the

company’s growth. The ECEDP is targeted those firms that are new to exporting, but require

some additional incentive or support to enter and explore new markets. The process to be

enrolled will entail a thorough screening, selection and site visit process to identify firms that

are ready to enter the export market.

The EC Exporter Development Programme Expectations

• Each company will form part of the programme for maximum of 12 months

• Financial and non-financial support on export related activities

• The ECDC will assess the needs of the company and assist them in the identified needs for

exports

• Part of the assistance provided includes; assistance with export documentation, export

related training, participation on exhibitions/missions

• Participants to attend 80% of all the training sessions

• Participants to pay a thousand rand (R1000) as commitment fee, refundable upon successful

completion of programme

• Participants to be further levied R300 per session missed without prior notification of 5 days

The following minimum criteria need to be met in order for an application to be considered

for participating on this programme:

• Be an entrepreneur or SMME based in the Eastern Cape

• At least 18 months in operations with verifiable financials

• Must have an existing product with demonstrable local market

• Must have an interest on export markets

Submission of applications

Interested companies should complete the application form which can found at the ECDC

website: www.ecdc.co.za and NMBBC website: www.nmbbusinesschamber.co.za and submit

applications at the following email addresses: trade@ecdc.co.za or admin@nmbbusinesschamber.

co.za