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The businesses are supported through Property Point, and their participation reflects an encouraging shift in the built environment sector, which is increasingly recognising the value of diverse, locally-driven innovation.
The 15 SMEs are:
“These are not future leaders. They are leading now,” said Shawn Theunissen, founder of Property Point.
“Their work shows that inclusive sustainability is not a theory. It’s already happening.
“The task ahead is to scale it.”
From renewable energy services to energy and air quality management solutions, these enterprises are proving that Black-owned SMEs can play a central role in shaping the country’s future green infrastructure.
The convention brings together key players from across the property and construction ecosystem, creating opportunities to connect policy with practice and vision with action.
Yet while the SMEs' presence signals growing momentum, Theunissen points out that many entrepreneurs still face hurdles in accessing finance, procurement opportunities and regulatory support.
“We are seeing real progress, but we cannot assume the path is open to all,” he said.
“What these businesses have achieved is remarkable. With the right ecosystem, many more can follow.”
Theunissen said the partnership presents an opportunity to deepen collaboration between developers, policymakers and enterprise development partners.
“We know what works when institutions come together with a shared vision,” he said.
“This is the moment to scale those partnerships, embed inclusion in policy and make transformation a living part of how we build.”
While the sector is not without its challenges, Theunissen believes the direction is clear.
Property Point’s work with more than 500 small businesses has shown that when access is supported with the right tools, Black-owned enterprises can thrive in complex, high-value industries.
“The energy and ideas we are seeing from these businesses are unmatched.
“What they need is not handouts, but opportunities to compete, contribute and lead.
“That’s how we build a truly resilient economy,” concluded Theunissen.