WELCOME
iBhayi Small Business Chamber
If you own a business, manage a business or work for a business in Nelson Mandela Bay, you should join the iBhayi Small Business Chamber.
IBHAYI SMALL BUSINESS CHAMBER VISION & OBJECTIVES
The chamber is comprised of a group of like-minded business owners with the following common vision:
“TOGETHER WE CREATE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES”
TO ACHIEVE THIS VISION, THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN SET
Maintain and promote the free market enterprise system for small business;
Consider all existing and proposed laws affecting or likely to affect commerce or industry and to take such steps and actions in this regard as may be deemed advisable;
Make representations to any authorities on any matter affecting commerce and industry;
Promote and develop import and export trade between the Republic of South Africa and any other country;
Share statistics and other information relating to any of the matters which may be of benefit to members;
Promote the conduct of business by the members in accordance with accepted ethical and moral standards;
Generally to assist the members and to promote their interests;
Raise funds by subscription or any other lawful means;
Participate in the activities of Chambers and Associations created for similar purposes and to undertake projects desired to further these interests in the local community;
Function as an Association not for gain.
Promote small business within the business community of the area of operation – Nelson Mandela Bay.
The needs of small to medium enterprises are very different from the needs of big business and corporate companies. Nelson Mandela Bay needs a business chamber that understands the unique and sometimes complex challenges that a small business owner has to deal with. The iBhayi Small Business Chamber is geared specifically to the needs of micro, small and medium businesses in Port Elizabeth. Small businesses need more business to grow and flourish. Full stop. One way to get more business is to network and build business relationships with other small business owners. This is where the iBhayi Small Business Chamber steps in!
Business
Networking
More Info
Our business networking events bring together SME’s in the Bay and offer them marketing opportunities in a professional manner.
What you can expect:
- Sign in and welcome photo’s upon arrival that will be used for social media marketing and website news.
- Our guest speakers and sponsors offer a short presentation on valuable information for small businesses.
- New iBhayi Small Business Chamber members receive their membership certificates and have a minute to introduce their company and services to all the attendees.
- Refreshments are available and business owners now have the opportunity to network and meet other business owners in the Bay.
Our
Vision
More Info
The iBhayi Small Business Chamber is affiliated to the Small Business Institute (SBI) who is constituted to promote the economic and business interests of its more than one hundred chamber organisation members and thousands of small to medium business enterprises, in the wider economy. The SBI stands for sustainable market-led job creation, inclusive economic growth, and ethical leadership.
Those with small businesses that decide to join the iBhayi Small Business Chamber will have a number of services and expertise available to them, such as- legal services, tourism advice, training advice, and support for women in business, to name a few.
Members will also be able to collaborate and discuss issues that affect small businesses, such as the reduction of red tape and minimum wage increases.
Through GrowSA, members can access an electronic platform service aimed at marketing businesses locally, nationally and internationally as well as linking to suppliers and clients in the virtual space. We believe in supporting local business. As such, regular networking events will enable members to form business relationships with each other.
The Small Business Institute (SBI) of South Africa on 5 July 2018 helped to initiate and launch the new iBhayi Small Business Chamber.
Members can tap the expertise within the SBI through networks such as the SBI’s desks of expertise, and regional and sector-focused structures.
Speed
Marketing
More Info
Our Speed Marketing events are designed for quick introductions to a group of other business owners. You should have a 2-minute elevator pitch ready for this event! It’s exciting and it’s fast-paced but gives you enough time to introduce your company to the table.
Bring flyers, business cards, or a sample product to show to the group. This is your opportunity to shine and build your client base!
What to expect:
- Sign in and photo’s upon arrival
- Welcome and introduction of the event’s guest host
- A quick explanation of the event proceedings
- Speed Marketing commences
- Feedback forms
- Quick update on new developments and plans
- Refreshments are available and attendees now have the opportunity to have longer conversations with other business owners.
OUR EXCO
Our Executive Committee
CHAIRPERSON
David Stopforth
Served in the military for many years. Together with wife Carol, they own and manage "Dynamic Print Worx" which is a local small business supplying branded gifts, clothing, banners & gazebos. Was one of the founding members of the chamber when it started in 2018.
VICE-CHAIR
Jaco Durandt
Jaco is the founder and managing director of PE Paralegal. He has an extensive knowledge of the law as he studies across various fields, including but not limited to, Insolvency, Small Claims Court, Consumer Protection, Rental Disputes and Environmental Law. He also works in Business Rescue and has successfully assisted in the turnaround of multiple businesses which has always resulted in the best possible outcomes for all connected parties. "Support small business as this is the backbone of the economy"
SECRETARY
Carol Stopforth
Worked many years for one of the "Big 4" Banks with small business owners, so has a good understanding of what makes a small business tick. Together with husband David they own and manage a local small business "Dynamic Print Worx" - a supplier of corporate gifts & clothing, banners & gazebos. Was one of the founding members of the chamber when it started in 2018. Small business is my passion!
TREASURER
Melitta Jordaan
Owner of Accounting & Computer Services, which is an accounting practice. Member of SA Institute for Business Accountants. (SAIBA); Member of SA Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT). Proudly South African CEO, Eustace Mashimbye said “Small Business is expected to generate approximately 90% of jobs by 2030. Small Businesses fail due to two common reasons: (1)A lack of funding and (2) Access to markets. Help us to access markets, in our own way.
Committee Member
Pieter Kitshoff
Served for 21 years in the SANDF and was responsible for all SA Army Intelligence training for 6 years. Has been the manager of Wise Drive Tracking for the last 10 years which has a footprint through Africa. Was one of the founding committee members when the chamber started in 2018. Is very passionate about SMME’s and believes that small businesses should look after each other; small businesses are the foundation of a growing economy.
Committee Member
Anette Davis
Founder and CEO of Omara Insurance Consulting, Anette Davis has decades of experience in the Financial- & Insurance Industry. In 2014 she won the National Finalist Business Woman of the Year award in the Commercial Category.Omara Insurance Consulting (Pty) Ltd is a registered Financial Services Provider. FSP license no: 47735
Committee Member
Sam Mgunda
As founder and Creative Director of ShambendT, Sam's love for the sewing machine started off as a hobby in his younger days. ShambendT has been in full operation since 2016 after Samson resigned from his full time job. After grasping adequate and immense knowledge from his prior bosses about entrepreneurship, he decided to fully focus on ShambendT's development. Samson has since provided tailoring and re-upholstery services to well known companies in the city, such as the likes of: Radisson Blu Hotel, The Kelway Hotel, Isango Boutique Hotel, Town Lodge, The Vic Hotel, and Steers. Working with these companies has boosted Samson's passion about business and has magnified his desire to make a difference to the next generations. "Start Small, Think big"
TESTIMONIALS
What People Are Saying
We joined the iBhayi Small Business Chamber to build relationships of trust. Each member of the Ibhayi Small Business Chamber is part of our Marketing Team as “word of mouth referrals” remains the best marketing tool.
Small business has become the backbone of South Africa’s economy. And that backbone needs to be strong. Especially now, after COVID. We need to support small business, and do everything that we can to build this sector. Being a member of the Chamber gives me a platform to support others, and to fight for what small business needs in order to thrive – quick service from the municipality for example.
It’s wonderful; to be part of a network of people I can call on to help me along my growth path – legal advice, financial advice – just plain moral support. We are each other’s cheerleaders.
I deal with a lot of people, face-to-face. I have queries of all sorts coming my way. It gives me great pleasure to pass the queries onto my fellow Chamber members, for them to grow their businesses.
Its with great pleasure to express how amazing it was to be part of online speed marketing. Thank you for the awesome opportunity. Please find my membership application.
I am a member of iBhayi Small Business Chamber and loving the networking which this platform has provided.
This is what the iBhayi Small Business Chamber is all about. Supporting each other and creating a platform where you can market and network your business
CONTACT MEMBERSHIP TEAM
We're Here To Help Build Sustainable Business in The Bay!
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8AM – 4PM
Weekend: Closed