Strengthening the Local Economy: Sport Tourism and SMME Integration in JB Marks
- Karen Scheepers
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
The intersection of sport tourism and local economic development is taking center stage in the JB Marks Local Municipality this February. In a collaborative effort between the municipal Department of Local Economic & Rural Development and North West Cricket, a strategic initiative has been launched to integrate small-scale entrepreneurs directly into high-profile sporting events.
This initiative specifically targets SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) by providing them with a platform to showcase their goods and services during the upcoming T20 Women Cricket Matches.
Event Overview and Strategic Intent
The primary objective of this collaboration is to boost the local economy through "sports tourism". By bringing local vendors into the JB Marks Oval Cricket Stadium, the municipality aims to bridge the gap between large-scale entertainment events and the micro-economy of the region.
Feature | Details |
Primary Event | T20 Women Cricket Matches |
Date & Time | Tuesday, 10th February 2026 at 17:00 PM |
Venue | JB Marks Oval Cricket Stadium |
Key Partners | JB Marks Local Municipality & North West Cricket |
Participation Parameters for Entrepreneurs
To maintain a diverse and organized marketplace, the initiative has set specific guidelines for participating businesses:
Vendor Capacity: The opportunity is limited to 10 local SMMEs to ensure focused exposure.
Selection Process: Stalls are allocated on a "First Come, First Served" basis.
Product Restrictions: While the platform encourages a variety of local products, food items are strictly prohibited from being sold by these specific vendors.
Target Audience: The call is specifically for local businesses looking to sell or market products to the cricket-going public.
Administrative Deadlines
For local entrepreneurs interested in this economic window, the administrative process is handled through the municipality’s development office.
The deadline for registration is set for Friday, 06 February 2026, before 12:00 PM. Registration is managed via WhatsApp through Mrs. Lerato Sepamatla at 072 594 1804.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in South African municipal governance to leverage existing infrastructure, like world-class cricket ovals, to provide tangible growth opportunities for the smallest players in the business sector.
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