Samson Nambei Asoba and Nteboheng Patricia Mefi
This study explored the accessibility of support services to immigrant-owned survivalist craft enterprises in Cape Town, using a mixed methodology design. One hundred and fifty owners of survivalist enterprises responded to a closed-ended questionnaire, which sought to establish if support services from relevant institutions were accessible to them. These results were considered together with the results of interviews with five support institutions in answering the question “What challenges are faced by survivalist immigrant-owned craft enterprises in accessing support services for growing their businesses?” It was found that the immigrant-owned survivalist enterprises faced accessibility challenges related to documentation, registration and official recognition to obtain support from relevant institutions. It was recommended that immigrant-owned micro craft businesses in Cape Town should establish strong links with support institutions such as incubation centres, financial institutions, education and training institutions so that they receive regular relevant support for growth. Collectivism in negotiation with the government on the challenge of business regulations for immigrants should be initiated. Stakeholders in the immigrant craft businesses should review and endeavour to resolve the regulation challenges they face so that the businesses can grow.