Alexandra

History

The Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP), a presidential urban regeneration project, has been working in Alexandra Township, north of Johannesburg, since 2001. Its purpose is to upgrade the living conditions and human development potential within Alexandra. Although the initial focus was purely on housing and related developments it was recognised that this could not be successful without also addressing economic development. This led ARP to approach The Business Place with the request that a small business support centre be opened in the township.

On 1 September 2006 The Business Place Alexandra officially opened its doors. Situated in the old Alex Clinic building (which had by then relocated) the Alexandra branch quickly became recognised as a credible, impactful centre for local business in the township. Thanks to the dedication of the team, led by branch manager Dumisani Hlatshwayo, Alex clients have been at the forefront of some of the best TBP success stories. Although the environment creates many challenges, these are more than matched by the passion and commitment to small business development shown by both the branch team and their clients..

Partners

The start-up and initial three-year funding costs were provided by ARP with the City of Joburg subsequently taking over as principal funding partner.

Other partners include:

  • Bank Bramley Branch which provides workshops on subjects such as budgeting and cash flow management.
  • Standard Bank Ekurhuleni Region which funded the Small Business Awards for three years.
  • Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industries to whom clients are referred for business opportunities.
  • Law firm Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs that provides workshops on subjects ranging from consumer protection, employment law to budgeting. Clients are also referred to their offices, situated next door, for legal services.
  • Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) with whom TBP has collaborated to provide more extensive training for established businesses on the subjects of corporate governance and project management.
  • WSI which runs extremely popular Internet Marketing workshops.
  • Alex FM which regularly features TBP on its business programmes.
  • FinWeek which donates 100 copies of their financial magazine to the branch on a weekly basis. This directly contributes to increasing knowledge of the financial sector for entrepreneurs.
  • Local newspaper, the Alex Pioneer, which publishes the advertisement of the monthly training schedule.

Contact

Telephone: +27 (0)11 882 3306/19
Fax: +27 (0)11 264 0492
Address: Alexsan Kopano Centre 12th Avenue cnr      Selbourne Alexandra Johannesburg Gauteng
E-mail: alex@tbp.co.za