Press Release
Immediate Release
22 September 2025
Beacon Bay Retail Park: Where Local Business is Getting a Real Boost
In October 2024, Growthpoint Properties, in partnership with Property Point, launched an Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme at Beacon Bay Retail Park in East London. The programme was introduced during a period of refurbishment and expansion at the centre, with the aim of equipping SMMEs to seize the emerging opportunities created by the development.
Since inception, the programme has already supported 20 local businesses, offering targeted training, mentorship, and real access to markets. Beyond the numbers, itâs the stories of growth and momentum that stand out.
What makes this programme different is its focus on real-world outcomes, helping entrepreneurs become more resilient, better prepared, and more competitive in the local economy. Through compliance training, personalised mentorship, and supplier readiness support, small businesses arenât just learning how to operate; theyâre being equipped to participate.
The shift is already visible: business owners are more confident, their systems are stronger, and theyâre starting to secure opportunities that were previously out of reach.
The Beacon Bay Retail Park EDP is a great example of what can happen when enterprise development is designed with intention, access, and action in mind and not just supporting growth, but helping it take root locally.
This hands-on, two-pronged approach is already shaping a more inclusive local economy, one where contractors, service providers, and skilled tradespeople are better equipped to compete, win contracts, and grow sustainably. The ripple effects are clear: businesses are not only building capacity, but also building confidence to reinvest in their teams and communities.
âWhen we invest in entrepreneurs, weâre investing in the social and economic fabric of South Africa,â says Shawn Theunissen, Founder of Property Point âThese businesses donât just survive, they grow, create jobs, and spark a sense of possibility for others coming up behind them.â
Itâs a reminder that enterprise development isnât just about business, itâs about building ecosystems where local talent gets a fair shot and a real chance to thrive.
In just six months, the programme has:
- Conducted in-depth baseline assessments for all participating businesses, identifying priority growth areas in Regulatory Compliance, Financial Management, and Costing & Pricing.
- Delivered over 120 training seats in Occupational Health & Safety and Technical Compliance.
- Facilitated workshops on CIDB registration, health and safety, environmental compliance, labour law, and contracting.
- Provided masterclasses on business scaling, BBBEE compliance, and strategic marketing.
- Facilitated access to employment and procurement opportunities for local labour and SMMEs, amounting to R8.1 million, across various trades including roofing, electrical installations, plumbing, tiling, and ceiling work.
- Beyond the numbers, the programme is creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs who are rewriting what success looks like in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Breaking Barriers in Construction â Pumza Mpulampula
Former teacher turned construction business owner, Pumza Mpulampula, founded Inati Holdings with sheer determination and a belief in what she wanted to achieve. Inspired by her cousin, now her site supervisor, Pumza learned to navigate the technical and business side of construction. âThrough these interventions, Iâve grown. I say Iâve gone from Grade 1 to Grade 3, and Iâm still learning,â she says. Her sights are set on building not just infrastructure, but a legacy her children can inherit.
Hard Hat, Soft Heart â Khokela Sowata
As the founder of Lukho-Kela Supplies and Services, Khokela Sowata balances running plastering and landscaping projects with caring for two daughters and her elderly parents. âYou can tender for a year and get nothing,â she says. âYou learn to wait. To stretch resources. To hold onto your people even when work isnât immediate.â With the skills gained through the enterprise development programme, Khokela is planning to scale her business to over R8 million annually within five years.
Forged in Fire â Sintu Tom
For Sintu Tom, the founder of ML Welding, his business began as a solution to a personal crisis after repeated break-ins at his liquor store. He turned to welding to create security infrastructure, and with Property Point and the enterprise development programme backing, transformed his hustle into a sustainable business. âDonât sit too long on your plan,â he advises other entrepreneurs. âIf thereâs a market for it, get going.â
The Beacon Bay Retail Park enterprise development programme, supported by Growthpoint Properties and implemented by Property Point, is more than a skills programme, itâs a bridge to market access, financial stability, and community development. As these entrepreneurs show, when small businesses are given the right tools, they donât just grow; they inspire others to build, adapt, and lead.
Ends.
Media enquiries:
Anneke Burns
Public Relations
071 423 0079
anneke@abpr.co.za
About Shawn Theunissen
Shawn Theunissen is a South African social entrepreneur dedicated to economic inclusion and SME empowerment across Africa. As the Founder of Property Point, he has driven over R2.5 billion in market opportunities for more than 500 SMEs, creating more than 3,000 jobs. He also founded Entrepreneurship To The Point (eTTP) to support SMEs in emerging markets. Recognised internationally with expertise in enterprise development; market linkages and business development support, Shawn remains a leading voice in SME growth and social impact.
About Property Point
Established in 2008, Property Point is an industry initiative, partnering with some of the largest property organisations in the country, namely, Growthpoint Properties, Attacq Limited, Fortress Real Estate Investments, South Point, Burstone, as well as the Public Investment Corporation and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency. Property Point partners with small businesses to enable sustainability through access to markets, access to funding and business development support, resulting in community upliftment through job creation.
To learn more about Property Point, visit: https://propertypoint.org.za/
About Entrepreneurship to the Point
Entrepreneurship To The Point (eTTP) exists to create economic inclusion through entrepreneurship. It is a thought leadership platform and knowledge hub focused on advancing inclusive entrepreneurship across Africa. Through evidence-based dialogue and research, we aim to drive practical solutions that strengthen policy, business ecosystems, and support for entrepreneurs. It centres on the creation of a robust SMME ecosystem through business networking, access to information and business resources, learning opportunities and inspiration is how we will come closer to achieving equal economic opportunities for all in South Africa and beyond. eTTP was formed ten years ago under the umbrella of the award-winning business accelerator programme, Property Point, which was founded in 2008. This key relationship allows eTTP to leverage the data, knowledge and insights gained from Property Pointâs engagements with entrepreneurs over the last decade to provide relevant content.
To learn more about eTTP, visit https://ettp.co.za/