Family-Owned Businesses in Makhado: Perspectives on Community, Policy, and Business Support

This study explores family-owned businesses in the Makhado Local Municipality, focusing on perspectives on community support, policy frameworks, and business development initiatives. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with family business owners, the findings show that community engagement strengthens social capital, market access, and resilience. Policy frameworks influence formalisation, access to resources, and survival, although administrative and enforcement challenges persist. Business development support improves managerial capacity and competitiveness but is limited by low awareness and weak local implementation. Overall, the study highlights the interconnected role of community, policy, and business support in shaping family business performance and underscores the need for coordinated, context-specific interventions in Makhado.