The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has launched an Entrepreneur Programme, in partnership with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
The Programme is a 7- week training programme that provides small and medium businesses, with one-on-one mentorship, and exposure to experienced business leaders.
Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said on Friday, “The Entrepreneur 2025 Programme is designed not just to train, but to transform. It gives serious business owners the tools and perspective needed to position themselves for long-term sustainability and market relevance. Being selected as a key delivery partner in this national initiative, reflects the Chamber’s growing reputation for practical, action-oriented business support. We see this as an opportunity to build a more inclusive and competitive economy in Nelson Mandela Bay, especially given our high unemployment levels. By backing businesses that already have market traction, we’re helping to fast-track job creation and boost local value chains where they matter most.”
The programme targets small and medium businesses that have been trading for at least a year, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
It is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and strategic input from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Cobus Oelofse, iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO said about the initiative, “The iLembe Chamber is excited to see our partnership with ACSA spreading its wings across the country. The collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber is a powerful lift-off for our shared mission to build resilient, sustainable businesses that can drive local economic growth and job creation.”
Picture caption: Standing left to right are Solly Mabindela (Senior Manager: Enterprise Region), Karen Snyman (Specialist Student Entrepreneurship – NMU) and Lunga Mjodo (Strategic Initiatives Manager – NMBBC).