Abstract
This research investigates perceived barriers faced by
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises operating in the South African
motor body repair sector. Despite various support strategies
spearheaded by both Government and private sector for the
development of these small businesses, not much has been achieved
in this particular sector due to lack of research. An exploratory
survey was carried out to ascertain barriers to enterprise development
needs of auto body repairers. Funding opportunities are still scarce,
causing a negative impact on equipment acquisitions, infrastructure
development and access to market. There is need for proper multiskilling
training on motor body repairs. Support measures for
enterprise development for auto body repairers include the need to
set up; dedicated lines of credit, acquisition of appropriate repair
equipment from Original Equipment Suppliers, certified training
from Original Equipment Manufacturers’, specific sector focus from
various small business funded programmes, procurement of proper
infrastructure and employment of better marketing strategies to
remove poor business perception from the public. Unless measures
are taken to address these problems the disadvantaged communities
will forever lumber in poverty.