Selection Criteria for Government Business Support among Gauteng Province SMMEs

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are crucial entities to South Africa's economic development and job creation, particularly in Gauteng Province. Government support programs aim to empower these enterprises through targeted assistance. This study investigates the selection criteria and processes applied by government support structures in Gauteng to identify and assist qualifying SMMEs. Using qualitative data from purposively selected SMME representatives who have received government support, a thematic content analysis was conducted. The findings reveal that selection is based on structured eligibility criteria emphasizing business stability, growth potential, alignment with program objectives, and compliance with documentation requirements. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for policy formulation and the enhancement of support programs.