The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and First National Bank (FNB) have extended their partnership agreement that sees FNB sponsor the Chamber’s Empowerment Network for a further 12-month period.
The Empowerment Network is a platform designed to facilitate networking, connections, partnerships, mentorship and support opportunities for businesses and professionals in Nelson Mandela Bay and consists of the Women Empowerment Connect and Mentorship Networks.
During 2022, the Network hosted 8 Women Empowerment workshops which attracted over 100 women per event and enrolled 29 mentees with an additional 15 in 2023.
The Women Empowerment Network in collaboration with the Women’s Circle further donated clothing to Yokhuselo Haven, a shelter for abused women. This forms part of the Chamber’s priority of promoting active citizenry. The Connect Network hosted Dr Imtiaz Sooliman from Gift of the Givers to mark Mandela Day last year. The session dealt with the water crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay and the collective efforts between the Chamber and Gift of the Givers in addressing water shortages.
A landmark Professionals Social Connect was also established to attract and retain young talent in Nelson Mandela Bay. “An assessment we conducted as the Chamber pointed towards a vacuum in Nelson Mandela Bay in terms of linkages and support offered to individuals and businesses who want to progress their careers or businesses and expand their networks. This has continuously led to businesses and talent leaving the Bay and the Eastern Cape to other provinces. In response, we have established this platform as a support and opportunity-sharing mechanism and a stage for emerging professionals to utilise their skills, knowledge and expertise to discuss and propose solutions to challenges faced by our metro through various Think Tanks,” says Lunga Mjodo, Chamber Business Information Manager.
“As a bank, we pride ourselves for the role we play in helping entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses. Our local economy needs an active base of entrepreneurs that continue to thrive to help grow our Eastern Cape economy, create jobs and helping in resolving some of the local challenges like water and energy. Our partnership with the Chamber, through the Empowerment Network, has provided FNB a great platform to offer the Bay community support through the Women Empowerment Network. Key to this is the focus on assisting women entrepreneurs navigate the market and the Professional Social Connect platform that creates space for young professionals and entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals to tackle common areas of interest,” says Sandile Philip, FNB’s Regional Head.
The agreement enables more businesses and professionals to be supported and connected to create meaningful relationships.
“We are excited to be renewing our sponsorship for another year as we extend our active citizenry in Nelson Mandela Bay,” says Phillip.