Embedding Impact Innovation in Local Economic Development

Impact Hub Cape Winelands was invited by Stellenbosch Municipality and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) to speak at the Stellenbosch Supplier Open Day.

The event was guided by the theme Connect, Collaborate & Create (C³), and brought together local businesses, suppliers, and government officials to explore opportunities for inclusive growth.

Our contribution focused on why impact innovation must be integrated into local economic development policy frameworks. We highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for community-based entrepreneurs—local innovators who are solving pressing challenges through business while driving inclusive supply-chain development.

By championing local supply-chain inclusion, municipalities and provincial government can unlock both social and economic value:

• Social value, by ensuring that communities directly benefit from solutions to their most urgent challenges.

• Economic value, by building stronger, locally rooted supply chains that reduce wealth leakage and strengthen regional economies.

This engagement marks another step in our growing collaboration with public sector partners, where we aim to position impact entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable, inclusive economic development in the Cape Winelands and beyond.