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Biznetwork is an initiative of First National Bank.
FNB is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses, as well as the spirit and practice of entrepreneurship in South Africa. |
Biznetwork is a community, an experience and a cycle of learning. We at Biznetwork understand that if you invest in yourself, you are also investing in your business.
A recent study by the Global Enterprise Monitor found that 65% of all businesses started in South Africa fail within the first three years of operation. Entrepreneurs and new business owners therefore face tough challenges when starting up their businesses and trying to maintain a profitable position in the marketplace.
As a business owner, you are most likely responsible for both the management of your business, and for its operational activities. Within your business, you may be the financial manager, human resources consultant, marketing specialist, sales director and key negotiator all rolled into one. These requirements may lead to the feeling that your business requires time and expertise that you do not have.
How does it work?
Biznetwork uses a multimedia platform to ensure optimum interaction and networking between its members. This is offered in a number of ways:
- Quarterly seminars, focusing on the fundamentals of running a business, will be held at selected hotels nationwide, featuring local and international business gurus who will share key strategies for turning your company into a winning company.
- The comprehensive Biznetwork web portal is packed with know-how and business tools, and chat forums that offer you the opportunity to build business relationships and learn from others' experiences.
- Newsletters will follow-up on topics that were addressed in the seminars, and will keep you in the loop about developments in the business world.
- There is also a business directory where you can list your business and make special offers to other Biznetwork members as well as a partner section that has special discounts from a variety of Biznetwork partners.
- Biznetwork has launched a brand new networking tool that allows a business owner to interact with other members online. This tool allows an individual or business to register a profile that will match him or her to people, with a similar profile, and in turn stimulate the networking process, online and real-time.
Who is driving Biznetwork?
Biznetwork is an initiative of First National Bank (FNB).
FNB is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses, as well as a spirit and practice of entrepreneurship in South Africa. As part of this commitment, FNB has launched Biznetwork:
With a brand new Biznetwork management team and new national reach for Biznetwork in tow, we have taken the time to ensure we can deliver the best possible service to our existing and new members. And given the short life span of other similar clubs in South Africa and abroad, we'd like to thank our loyal members for their role in turning Biznetwork into the truly national business networking club it is today.
Biznetwork also has the support of the following organisations:
The Chambers of Commerce and Industry South Africa (CHAMSA) which includes:
Who Should Join Biznetwork?
The aim of Biznetwork is to assist small businesses to gear for growth, and to help them develop into medium and even large enterprises. The following individuals will benefit from Biznetwork:
1. Entrepreneurs and business owners of small businesses
2. Business owners who need information and networking opportunities so as to grow their business
3. Business owners of established enterprises who wish to enter into joint partnerships with upcoming entrepreneurs
4. Entrepreneurs interested in starting their own businesses
Why join Biznetwork?
Biznetwork offers you access to a community of businesspeople who are in constant communication with each other and with leaders in the field - all within a continuous learning environment.
Biznetwork members will receive:
1. Learning opportunities
Many entrepreneurs feel the need to learn how to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. As a member of Biznetwork, you will have access to quarterly events held at selected Protea Hotels nationwide, where leaders in the field will share with you their insights into how you should be conducting your business.
On the Biznetwork web portal you can access notes from the seminars, as well as a variety of articles and resources that will provide you with additional information on key business topics. Monthly newsletters will follow-up on the information provided in the seminar, and will keep you updated on developments in the business world.
2. Business Community Involvement
Biznetwork will offer you the opportunity of meeting other business people and exploring business opportunities. At the seminars you will be able to network with other entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as with leaders in the business world.
You can raise your business profile by advertising your business on the business directory on the Biznetwork website. The website also provides a forum where you can discuss key business issues with experts and with fellow entrepreneurs.
3. Partnerships
Businesses do not exist in isolation, and raising your profile within the marketplace is a key factor for success. In addition to entering into network partnerships with fellow Biznetwork members, we will continually negotiate discounts and special offers with businesses that provide products and services to the business community, on behalf of our members
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