Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa

Looking at the economic wrap up in June on Stats SA the economy weakened in the first quarter, jobs declined and although the second quarter has been seen as more positive, there is still a concern for our economy in general. Small Businesses and entrepreneurs are said to be the perfect solution to pull our country’s economic state out of the “red zone” by offering more employment opportunities and boosting the economy. However, small businesses need to be provided with the resources and support necessary to survive past early stages of business - which are the most crucial according to the GEM SA Report conducted recently.

The SOOQ, a local marketplace for small businesses, and Cricut, a leading crafting technology company, have announced their partnership aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses and makers in South Africa. This collaboration comes at a crucial time as the country emerges from the economic challenges of the volatile election period and the post-COVID delayed impact on small businesses, and strives to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem both on and offline.

According to the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Africa (GEM SA) report, South Africa has shown encouraging signs of increased entrepreneurial activity and a growing number of small businesses moving beyond the startup stage. The report, authored by Angus Bowmaker-Falconer, research fellow at Stellenbosch Business School, and Natanya Meyer, associate professor in the SARChI Chair for Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Johannesburg, highlights the positive signals of rising entrepreneurship rates among women and young people.

The SOOQ and Cricut recognize the importance of creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses in South Africa. The SOOQ store, located at the Freerange lifestyle Centre in Fourways, will serve as a physical point where makers can collaborate, learn new solutions, and get access to beginner, advanced and draft-along workshops providing individuals and groups with valuable skills development opportunities. The store will also allow individuals to create personalised items from Tshirts to gift boxes in-store.

Martin Kruger, Director of Sales and Marketing from Cricut, expressed the company's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, "At Cricut, we believe in making it easy for makers to build and start their own businesses. By partnering with The SOOQ, we are providing makers with a platform to showcase their creations and connect with customers through the SOOQ marketplace, whilst also offering upskilling opportunities for those looking to create as a business. This collaboration not only offers a physical space for makers to gather and learn, but also opens new avenues for them to sell their products to a national audience.”

Laverne De Jager, founder and owner of The SOOQ, emphasized the importance of collaboration and legitimacy in the local marketplace. She said, "The SOOQ is dedicated to collaborating with makers to create products that can be sold nationally. We strive to build sustainable businesses and provide customers with a trusted platform to discover and support legitimate makers, whilst also offering upskilling opportunities through the store. Our partnership with Cricut aligns perfectly with our vision and will enable us to unlock the potential of makers in South Africa.”

Chereese King, part-owner of The SOOQ Fourways, “we look forward to welcoming makers into our space! It’s an exciting time in South Africa where we can make an impact in the lives of many by offering a platform for them to learn skills that can translate into something that can feed their family and uplift entire communities. We are excited about the possibilities of this partnership, and look forward to the success stories to come.”

The GEM SA report also highlights areas for improvement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the need for policy changes, entrepreneurship education in schools, and better access to finance and digital technologies. The SOOQ and Cricut are committed to working towards a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and based on the initial pilot more opportunities should emerge.

The collaboration will be launched on the weekend of the 23 – 26 August 2024 and will be attended by maker influencers as well as individuals keen to participate that register.

For more information about The Maker programme and workshops available please visit the website at www.thesooq.co.za.

About The SOOQ:

The SOOQ is a local marketplace in South Africa that focuses on supporting small businesses and providing consumers with access to quality, locally made products. Through their platform, The SOOQ fosters collaboration, builds sustainable businesses, and offers a trusted space for customers to discover legitimate makers.

About Cricut:

Cricut is a leading crafting technology company that empowers individuals to create personalized, professional-quality projects with ease. Their innovative cutting machines and design software have revolutionized the crafting industry, making it accessible to beginners and experts alike.