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.
Fromote 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 small to 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 wall plaques 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
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ISBCThe ISBC is affiliated with the 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 new 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. The Founding Executive Committee, consisting of 5 small business owners in Port Elizabeth, was elected at the July 5th meeting, they are Mr Pieter Kitshoff, Mr David Stopforth, Mrs Carol Stopforth, Mr Andre Nel and Mrs Gaynor Bronkhorst.
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
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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 Networking commence
- Feedback forms
- Quick update on new developments and plans
- Loudmouth of the Day award
- Refreshments are available and attendees now have the opportunity to have longer conversations with other business owners.
OUR EXCO
Our Executive Committee
CHAIRPERSON
Gaynor Bronkhorst
More Info
chair@isbc.net.za
Founding Member
We work hard toward making good on our commitment to being the voice of small business in the Bay by listening to our Members, partnering with those organizations that will benefit our members and providing a platform for the growth of small businesses and the upliftment of the economy of the Eastern Cape.
CO-CHAIR
David Stopforth
More Info
co-chair@isbc.net.za
Founding Member
A chamber is only as strong as its members.
I encourage all small businesses to join as members.
Imagine the big voice we would have if we had 1000 members!
SECRETARY
Carol Stopforth
More Info
info@isbc.net.za
Founding Member
Small business is the lifeblood of the economy.
The local and national economy cannot grow if small businesses are not encouraged to grow and develop.
TREASURER
Vacant
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accounts@isbc.net.za
Founding Member
MEMBERSHIP
Pieter Kitshoff
More Info
membership@isbc.net.za
Founding Member
“The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work. Marinate on that for a minute.” Unknown.
The IBhayi Small Business Chamber creates the platform and environment for small business in Port Elizabeth to network.
We are the ‘Big voice for small business’
MEDIA
Alisha Potgieter
More Info
media@isbc.net.za
Co-opted Member
SOCIAL MEDIA
Vacant
More Info
marketing@isbc.net.za
Co-opted Member
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