Barriers to enterprise development : the case of SMMES operating in the South African motor body repair sector.

This research investigates perceived barriers faced by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises operating in the South African motor body repair sector. Despite various support strategies spearheaded by both Government and private sector for the development of these small businesses, not much has been achieved in this particular sector due to lack of research. An exploratory survey was carried out to ascertain barriers to enterprise development needs of auto body repairers. Funding opportunities are still scarce, causing a negative impact on equipment acquisitions, infrastructure development and access to market. There is need for proper multiskilling training on motor body repairs. Support measures for enterprise development for auto body repairers include the need to set up; dedicated lines of credit, acquisition of appropriate repair equipment from Original Equipment Suppliers, certified training from Original Equipment Manufacturers’, specific sector focus from various small business funded programmes, procurement of proper infrastructure and employment of better marketing strategies to remove poor business perception from the public. Unless measures are taken to address these problems the disadvantaged communities will forever lumber in poverty