Air Liquide, together with their BBBEE implementation partner, LEAP, hosted a dynamic Small, Medium, Micro Enterprises (SMME) Networking Event at Graceland Hotel in Secunda on 28 May 2025. This event brought together 36 SMMEs participating in Air Liquide’s Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) program, providing a platform for them to connect, showcase their products and services, and explore new avenues for collaboration and celebrate their growth and success. Since its launch in July 2023, the Secunda Business hub has significantly advanced opportunities for entrepreneurs in Secunda by providing access to essential business facilities, infrastructure, support, and training across diverse areas like Procurement Optimization, Women in Business, Disability Focus, and even through mobile labs and dedicated delivery programs. The hub’s success has highlighted the need for increased space to accommodate more entrepreneurs, leading to the launch of The BBBEE Hive in March 2025. This initiative provides free office space for 12 months to eight SMMEs, significantly reducing their operational costs and directly supporting business growth.
The successful networking event reaffirms Air Liquide's unwavering commitment to empowering local SMMEs, fostering sustainable growth, and driving significant economic development in Secunda.