Oppenheimer family reaches out to connections to increase funding for small businesses

The Oppenheimer family, an iconic name in African business, recently extended a helping hand to support small businesses in South Africa during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their initiative, a billion Rand fund aimed at assisting small businesses to pay their workers and stay afloat during the lockdown, has already disbursed 330 million Rand. As a result, around 30,000 workers received their wages before the Easter weekend, thanks to the fund. However, the family is not stopping there and has set its sights on increasing the fund further. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, one of the fund's founders, Johnathan Oppenheimer, disclosed that they have reached out to their network to raise more funds. Key Theme: The key theme of the interview was the Oppenheimer family's commitment to supporting small businesses during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. By leveraging their connections and resources, they aim to expand the funding to reach more businesses and workers in need. Key Points: 1. Billion Rand Fund for Small Businesses: The Oppenheimer family established a billion Rand fund to aid small businesses in South Africa affected by the lockdown measures. The fund has already distributed 330 million Rand to support 30,000 workers, showcasing the significant impact it has had in the community. 2. Collaborative Efforts to Increase Funding: Johnathan Oppenheimer revealed that the family has engaged with their wide network of connections to raise additional funds for the initiative. By mobilizing support from various stakeholders, they hope to amplify the fund's reach and help more small businesses weather the economic challenges. 3. Impact on Small Business Community: The fund's swift action in disbursing funds has provided much-needed relief to small businesses struggling to pay their employees amid the lockdown. The Oppenheimer family's dedication to supporting the local business community underscores the importance of collective efforts in mitigating the financial impact of the pandemic. Quote: In the interview, Johnathan Oppenheimer emphasized the significance of expanding the fund, stating, '40 million Rand is absolutely a step in the right direction and it's a great achievement that's already happened and I hope more. I mean in reality, I think there should be no pride of who has the right answer here.' His words reflect the family's proactive approach to collaboration and their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of small business owners and employees.