Entrepreneurship Services
For in-depth information on our entrepreneurship services, resources, and publications, visit the Chamber's focused
Bay of Opportunity website.
The Entrepreneurship Desk acts as a one-stop shop and a gateway where Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) growth and sustainability interventions are housed.
The desk's programmes, initiatives, and services include:
- One-on-one advisory consultations and support focused on compliance; legal; financial management & controls; and strategy and operations.
- Access to markets through supply chain and supplier development opportunities, exhibitions and expos, and publications.
- Funding and investment readiness, and access to funding packages and opportunities.
- The Khula Enterprise Programme designed for MSMEs navigating growing turnover and complexity, cash flow pressure, scaling teams and systems, funding, investment, and large buyer requirements, and expansion into new markets or contracts.
- The Entrepreneur programme that provides a structured platform for MSMEs to strengthen their operations, improve sustainability, and expand their growth potential.
- The Business Ignition challenge that is a growth orientated challenge that supports winners with grant funding towards their equipment and machinery.
- MSME growth and development webinars.
- MSME Growth and Development Diagnostic Tool (GDDT) that is designed to holistically assess the current maturity, compliance status, funding readiness, and growth potential.
- Networking
The E-Desk also ensures that the needs of, and opportunities for, MSMEs are integrated into key Chamber initiatives such as the Local Economy Reinvention Think Tank, the Skills Development Desk, Risk Desk, and the Trade & Investment Desk.
Empowerment Network
There is a vacuum in Nelson Mandela Bay in terms of linkages and support offered to individuals and businesses who want to progress their careers/businesses and expand their networks.
As a response to this, the Business Chamber has established the Empowerment Network - a platform where business and professionals are able to meet, connect, network, discuss issues of common interest, form partnerships and collaborations, and collectively lobby for the betterment of the Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Empowerment Network has three distinct sub-networks namely the Mentorship Network, Women Empowerment Network, and the Connect Network.
- Mentorship Programmes- Our mentorship programme is structured across three distinct phases, each pairing a minimum of 20 experienced mentors with 20 motivated mentees. The core purpose is to equip participants with direct access to industry expertise, helping them further develop their skills and accelerate their professional learning.
- Women Empowerment Network - Dedicated to advancing gender equity, the women empowerment network continues to support and empower women in business and leadership through intentional dialogue and networking. These engagements are strategically designed to further elevate women in business by fostering meaningful conversations, strengthening capacity, and expanding access to opportunities.
- Connect Network - As a strategic platform for Chamber members and stakeholders, it facilitates ongoing engagement, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across industries. Through targeted, sector-specific engagements, the Connect Network continues to unpack relevant strategies and highlight catalytic projects aimed at driving inclusive economic growth and development within the Bay of Opportunity.
THE EMpowerment network IS IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH:
THE ENTREPREneurship DESK IS IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH:
