May 2022.
John Rietels, owner of J & Jo Fast Food, a De Aar based mobile restaurant, is one of five SMME’s to have benefitted from funding support as part of De Aar Solar Power’s Enterprise Development programme. This funding has even extended to provide for a mobile solar kit to electrify his kitchen, so that he doesn’t have to rely on gas, which is costly.
“The installation of this PV solar panel unit has provided much needed financial relief as I spent a lot on purchasing expensive gas and as a result could not really make much profit. It is of course also more environmentally friendly and wonderful that a solar farm has funded this green energy solution for my business,” commented John Rietels, owner of J & Jo Fast Food.
In addition to the solar kit, financial support included repairs for the business vehicle and new tyres, as well as working capital. Moving forward De Aar Solar Power expects to continue its support of this fledgling enterprise by providing them with business mentorship.
“The help from De Aar Solar Power has helped to get our small business off the ground and set us on the right path. The development programme has addressed our most fundamental needs, which included the purchase of much needed stock, giving us the chance to improve our turnover and profits. Furthermore, the vehicle is more reliable now after being fixed and I am now able to be on time at our regular location but moreover, this enables me to take my truck to major events such as the past Easter Premiers Football Tournament – so the areas that we service have expanded,” added John Rietels.
The funding and general support has meant that the business has been able to employ a local youth, to assist John and his wife with takeaway orders. This is in line with the overarching objectives of the Enterprise Development Programme, which is to provide training and support that helps create viable small businesses and assist budding entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities in the Pixley Ka Seme district’s rural towns of Britstown, Hanover, Philipstown and De Aar.
“His endurance and determination to make the business a success is what made us want to support his enterprise. Despite many challenges that included a lack of funding for stock, no electricity and a faulty vehicle, he stayed dedicated,” commented Anita Takor, Community Liaison Officer for De Aar Solar Power.
