The National Small Enterprise Act requires the Minister of Small Business Development to facilitate a process aimed at establishing an Advisory Body to represent and promote the interests of small enterprises. This Body will also represent co-operative businesses. The functions of the Advisory Body are to advise the Minister on a range of matters including:

• Strategies, policies or programme interventions to address market failures affecting the sector
• Impact of legislation on small businesses
• National standards applying to small businesses
• Skills development for running a business
• Access for small businesses and co-operatives into value chains
• Constraints that impact on the success of small businesses and co-operatives
• Influencing the provision of support services to small businesses and co-operatives

Consultations are currently being held with stakeholders and the Constitution of the Advisory Body will then be finalised.