The Department of Small Business Development says it is receptive to new policy ideas that will help accelerate the formation of new businesses and sustain existing ones.

“We are committed to working together with all partners who understand their roles in the on-going reconstruction and development of our nation,” Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu said.

She said government was aware that to address the current problems in the economy and to reverse the unemployment rate, a radical policy shift that recognises the urgent need to invest in small and medium businesses was needed.

“We are convinced that if we are to make an impact on the job creation front, the common problems faced by SMMEs must be addressed,” Minister Zulu said.

Speaking at the launch of the Startup Nations South Africa, at the Wits Business School on Monday, she said South Africans remain concerned that small businesses have an exceedingly high failure rate.

“We carry a responsibility to formulate concrete and practical ideas that will assist government to respond effectively to the challenges that confront small businesses.

“Indeed, this partnership must assist us with the building blocks for a robust and sustainable policy environment that places SMMEs at the centre of accelerated economic growth and development,” Minister Zulu said.

She said government would address common problems faced by SMMEs so it could make an impact on the job creation.

“Our ultimate goal is to reduce obstacles to doing business wherever possible and to expand access to economic opportunities for historically excluded and vulnerable groups,” Minister Zulu said.

She said her department would focus its attention on providing effective support to small businesses.

Startup Nations was an entrepreneurship revolution, focused on advancing the national agenda for entrepreneurship and the creation of a sustainable environment where start-ups and small businesses can meaningfully contribute to the economic and social development of South Africa