Cape Town invites public comment on new business policy

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Article re-cap

  • The City of Cape Town has opened a public comment period for draft updates to its Business Support Policy.
  • The updated policy aims to improve processes for entrepreneurs, exporters and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the formal economy.
  • Public feedback on the proposed business policy changes can be submitted until Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
  • The City of Cape Town intends to use these updates to cut red tape and provide better digital service delivery for businesses.

The City of Cape Town has opened a public comment period for draft updates to its Business Support Policy to strengthen mechanisms for entrepreneurs and exporters.

The Economic Growth Directorate began accepting feedback on Monday, 15 June, regarding the proposed policy changes. The public has until Wednesday, 15 July 2026, to submit comments intended to shape how the City supports business growth.

The updated policy aims to improve processes for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, exporters and entrepreneurs in the formal economy. According to Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, the updates seek to provide faster, more predictable processes and better digital service delivery.

The proposed changes focus on enterprise development fundamentals including setting up shop, scaling production and gaining market access. The policy is a central component of the City Business Hub initiative, which saw more than 5,800 businesses participate in programmes last year.

Alderman Vos stated that the business environment has changed significantly since the previous version of the policy was approved in 2018. He noted that the City aims to cut red tape and improve coordination across government services to help businesses spend less time navigating bureaucracy.

This review is separate from the Informal Trading Policy, which is undergoing a different review process. For the Business Support Policy, comments can be directed to Alan and Sheldon at the Business Hub, located at 34A Adderley Street, Strand Concourse, Cape Town.

Frequently asked questions

What is the City of Cape Town's Business Support Policy update about?

The City is updating its Business Support Policy to strengthen support for entrepreneurs and exporters. The changes aim to improve processes for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by providing faster, more predictable procedures and better digital service delivery.

How long is the public comment period for the draft policy?

The public comment period runs from Monday, 15 June to Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Residents and business owners can submit feedback during this month-long window to shape how the City supports business growth.

Why is the City reviewing its Business Support Policy now?

According to Alderman James Vos, the business environment has changed significantly since the previous policy was approved in 2018. The City aims to cut red tape and improve coordination across government services to help businesses navigate bureaucracy more efficiently.

Where can businesses submit comments on the proposed policy changes?

Comments can be directed to Alan and Sheldon at the Business Hub, located at 34A Adderley Street, Strand Concourse, Cape Town.

What areas does the updated policy focus on?

The proposed changes focus on enterprise development fundamentals including setting up shop, scaling production and gaining market access for businesses in the formal economy.

Source: investcapetown.com