“We have entered into a relationship with the  Department of Economic Development to support local small businesses,” explains owner and manager of the Market, Anna Savage. “The I heart Market has worked with them previously when managing the Sustainability Village for Africa Tourism Indaba.”

The Department of Economic Development has as one of its roles to identify and create opportunities for small businesses in KZN – doing this through mentorship, entrepreneurial workshops and providing business opportunities for them. 

“As the I heart Market forms a small business hub that focuses on providing a platform for local businesses, it is an ideal place to position these small businesses within an established space that has a captive consumer market,” says Anna.

“We began the Market in 2008 as we noticed a gap in retail for small creative businesses,” says Anna. “We have been able to provide a platform for businesses to engage with an “audience” without having the entry costs for set up, infrastructure, rentals, and utilities that one would need for a formal store. We became a place where businesses could start with small set up cost, test their products in a safe space on their audience, and gain valuable feedback.” 

The Department will be supporting 25 vendors. With a focus on fashion brands, but also covering jewellery designers, home decor, accessories and food products.