The Business Place Model

The cluster concept

The Business Place model is unique in that each branch is strategically aligned to addressing the needs of the local economy and business environment. It brings together many of the diverse local stakeholders representing all tiers of government, community and corporate organisations which are committed to the common vision of building an entrepreneurial society.

The cluster concept ensures there is a network of service providers, networking organisations and community-based organisations tenanted under one roof. Tenants are selected according to the quality of their services, their sustainability, service-oriented approach and contribution to The Business Place strategy and overall philosophy.

We recognise that each client is unique, that each has his or her own learning style and that each one is at a different stage of business development.

Creative collaborations

The Business Place serves as an ideal delivery platform for other initiatives. We are open to engaging with all interested programme partners who have a common purpose and, in doing so, to pool scarce resources in order to improve long-term sustainability and avoid duplication of efforts in a particular sector. We actively pursue partnership arrangements with key product and service delivery organisations to provide access to much-needed services for small and micro business.

Such key service delivery partners are able to benefit from the infrastructure, the access points from which to target market clients, and the delivery mechanisms provided by The Business Place branches and their staff who refer clients to programmes at the relevant stages of clients' business development.

"The Business Place plays a critical role in assisting entrepreneurs to step on the business ladder and start climbing the rungs to a point where they become sustainable enterprises. The current hard times scenario and inevitable retrenchments it will cause make it even more urgent to support an initiative like The Business Place."

Clem Sunter Independent Scenario Planning Consultant
  • To contribute to creating jobs and stimulating the economy by promoting entrepreneurship.
  • To raise awareness of the benefits of entrepreneurship and the active roles that people, individually and organisationally, can play in helping grow the economy.
  • To actively and consistently promote procurement preference toward small businesses.
  • To work with business, all spheres of government and civil society to actively develop and support small business.
  • To provide an accessible resource which small business can access for capacity building and general business support.

    "We have worked in collaboration with The Business Place since its inception nearly 10 years ago. During this period thousands of people have sought and received assistance through its brilliantly-conceived Navigator system. Needy people have either been trained and empowered by means of courses like the Micro-MBA, or have been referred to appropriate agencies for assistance. It has been truly impressive to observe the ongoing commitment of Investec Bank and the local and national leaders of the organisation. This initiative deserves to be supported. The service it offers is unique."

    Cedric Buffler

    CEO, Micro-MBA