In 1998, Nelson Mandela challenged the World Council of Churches to fight poverty in South Africa.

Canadian Martha Deacon responded by founding The Townships Project to support micro-businesses in township areas through micro-loans, micro-franchises, and community development.

In 2017 The Townships Project Partnered with Rotary Clubs in District 9400 to start the “Build Better Businesses” Symposium. This is an annual event to support entrepreneurs in either establishing their own businesses or to help them grow their businesses.”

The ‘Building Better Businesses’ Symposium provides a forum for all small business owners to find financing, marketing, mentoring, accounting, and other skills while also giving networking opportunities. There are also various prizes each year, to reward businesses showing the strongest progress.