The Digital Business Centres (DBC) are a joint initiative of two City of Cape Town departments: Information Services & Technology and Economic & Human Development. The aim of the DBCs is to provide technology as well as information and referral services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Cape Town. These Digital Business Centres serve as the physical points of delivery in the communities that they serve.

A principle goal of the Digital Business Centre program is to promote economic and social development through skills development. Business development services are provided by government or other developmental agencies to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses to establish themselves, and grow into viable businesses. DBCs basically refer small businesses to revelant resources to acquire:

• Knowledge about how to start and run a business
• Access to markets, that is, finding customers

Access to DBC:

The DBC is open for registered SMMEs (80%), community and youth (20%). DBC users must either be registered or in the process of registering with CIPRO as a cc, company, NGO or NPO. DBC Management reserves the right to verify the information provided.

The DBC offer walk-in assistance with:

• Internet access. However browsing and/ or dowloading of an illegal or offensive nature is not permitted. This includes copyrighted material such as music (mp3), software, hacking/cracking of adult material. DBC members must adhere to all trademark and copyright laws, there are no exceptions to this rule.
• Printing: Is provided @ a cost of R1.00 per page (black and white only). DBC users are kindly reminded to check their documents before sending them to the printer. All printing done by DBC users intentionally, accidently or carelessly must be paid in full.
• Fax and photocopy machines
• Referrals to specialist consultants
• Software training and much, much more.

DBC Restrictions:

• CD Burning/Downloading: No downloading or burning of cds
• Food and Drink Policy: DBC users are NOT permitted to bring food or beverages unto the premises. DBC users are not permitted to consume or bring alcohol on the premises.
• Noise Policy: DBC Management will permit reasonable use of mobile phones and personal music equipment on the premises, but all DBC users are kindly asked to be respectful and considered of other DBC users around them. DBC Management reserves the right to ask customers to refrain from such action where it is affecting other DBC users or DBC Management.
• Customer's Personal Property: DBC Management does not accept responsibility for DBC user's property and to such reasonable excludes liability for the loss, damage or theft of any DBC user's property brought unto the premises. DBC users are reminded not to leave any personal property unattended.
• Allocated time: Each DBC user will be allocated 45 minutes per session, any further time needed will be made available at a cost of R5.00 per 45 minutes session.

See also: Urban Renewal Project

Last Update: 22 March 2011