7 Small Business Councils to Empower Your Business Success

Trying to succeed as an entrepreneur can seem quite difficult. In actual fact there are many challenges you’re likely to come across. Whether it’s a lack of networking opportunities, lack of funding, or a need for mentorship and access to tools, all these aspects are critical in the stepping stones of a successful business.

Entrepreneurs need avenues to ease the workload in some areas of business. Luckily, there are various small business councils aimed at supporting business. In this article, we’ll tell you all about them.

1. The National Small Business Chamber (NSBC)

The National Small Business Chamber is a non-profit membership organisation aimed at supporting the growth of small businesses throughout Africa. The goal behind this is to sustain progression in the SME sector, job creation, and encouraging entrepreneurship.

These goals are achieved through networking opportunities, practical guides and resources, events and initiatives to drive business growth. One of the initiatives that stand out is the Small Business Friday Movement, sponsored by Absa, where they motivate South Africans every Friday to go and support a small business.

2. Small Business Institute (SBI)

The SBI, also known as the big voice for small businesses, aims to play a fundamental role in building an entrepreneurial environment for the SME sector.

The state of the SME sector greatly affects other sectors in the South African economy, thus the improvement of SMEs would have a positive ripple effect on other sectors such as employment, economic growth, poverty reduction, and more.

The SBI’s mission is to push for the government to have more support for SMEs procurement policies, legislations, and regulation. They achieve this through campaigns with big businesses whereby SMEs are prioritised in the supply chain process.

3. Ekurhuleni Community Enterprise Development Fund (ECEDF)

The ECEDF aims to support the development of community enterprises. Small businesses based in the region of Ekurhuleni can benefit from this organisation.

The community enterprises include individual entrepreneurs, cooperatives, informal traders, small, micro and medium enterprises, and formal businesses.

This fund falls under the Ekurhuleni Ten Point Economic Plan, which is a program that aims to boost Ekurhuleni’s role in the provincial economy.

4. The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC)

The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) is a federated chamber that was established in 1964 by black traders in Soweto. The chamber exists to encourage an environment of entrepreneurship, specifically for black businesses.

An emphasis is also placed on being a voice for black businesses, driving collaboration and togetherness among black businesses. There are currently over 156 000 members across businesses in the NAFCOC.

5. Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI)

The JCCI is an independent, non-political association that aims to promote a business-friendly environment. The JCCI accommodates for every sector and all sizes of businesses, from independent entrepreneurs to large corporations. This gives room for opportunities for big businesses to collaborate and support small businesses.

The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) facilitates international trade and negotiates contracts and funding for projects. Among various benefits, businesses also benefit from opportunities to trade intentionally.

6. The International Council for Small Business (ICSB)

There are various benefits to collaboration, and fortunately, this council is great for businesses looking to gain global recognition by partnering with international businesses.

The ICSB offers membership opportunities where businesses can position themselves as experts, engage with other professionals, and share real-world business experiences.

A membership on ICSB also lets you have your own webpage, allowing you to publish content where you can display your skills and experience. Your business will get to participate in workshops, programs, training sessions, and more.

7. The Black Business Council (BBC)

In South Africa, black people are still disproportionately marginalised, which is why the Black Business Council (BBC) exists. The BBC is a membership-based organisation that aims to drive the long-term success of black businesses.

Members of this council benefit from a range of tools and resources, and events. An SMME membership lets you enjoy the following:

• A new member profile on the BBC website and newsletter.
• Participate in activities like the National Economic Development and Labour Council.
• Nominate 2 people to sit on BBC Portfolio Committees.
• Access to business events, which include the BBC workshops, BBC roundtable discussions, and Annual Black Business Summit.
• 1 Representative at BBC’s National Council and Annual General Meeting only.

Don’t miss your chance to speak to industry role players at the SME South Africa Funding Summit. Grab your ticket before it’s sold out!