Business
New Online Portal Launched to Support Spaza Shops and Crack Down on Illegal Businesses
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has taken a major step toward formalizing and supporting spaza shops and food-handling businesses with the launch of DSBD Connect, a new digital platform aimed at boosting legal enterprises and cracking down on illegal operations.
The portal, which went live on 28 March 2025, was officially announced by Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, aligning with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to strengthen small businesses and protect consumers from unregulated trade.
What Does DSBD Connect Offer?
The platform is designed to:
Geo-map and verify legal spaza shops and food-handling businesses.
Authenticate products to combat counterfeit goods.
Connect businesses with funding and credit opportunities.
Facilitate partnerships with manufacturers (OEMs) for better supply deals.
Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams emphasized that the system will help “foster sustainable growth, ensure compliance, and empower local entrepreneurs.”
Why This Matters for Spaza Shops
- Illegal businesses have long undercut legitimate traders, hurting local economies.
- Many spaza shops struggle with access to funding and fair competition.
- DSBD Connect provides a verified database, making it easier for customers to support legal businesses.
How to Access DSBD Connect
The portal is now live at: https://dsbdconnect.co.za/
Business owners can:
- Register their enterprises for official recognition.
- Apply for financial support through government and private sector programs.
- Gain visibility in a national network of authenticated small businesses.
Government’s Broader Plan
This initiative follows recent efforts to regulate informal trade, including:
- Stricter enforcement against counterfeit goods.
- Financial inclusion programs for small traders.
- Partnerships with retailers to improve supply chains.
What’s Next?
The DSBD plans to onboard thousands of spaza shops in the coming months while ramping up inspections to shut down illegal operators.
“We’re leveling the playing field for honest entrepreneurs,” the department stated.
{Source MyBroadBand}
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