IMM Institute launches SMME Associateship and Innovation Hub to boost small businesses
The IMM Institute has launched its SMME Associateship & Innovation Hub to advance small business growth through mentorship and networking opportunities.
IMM Institute CEO Irene Gregory says this initiative aims to help entrepreneurs expand their skill sets beyond their core abilities, supporting them in growing their businesses.
“South Africans have, as part of their DNA, an entrepreneurial spirit. However, not everyone is a whizz at finances or operations, for example,” says Gregory.
Recognising this, Gregory adds that the Institute has made an SMME Associateship category available.
Through the Associateship, SMMEs can join the Institute for a small fee and take advantage of its courses, which help entrepreneurs develop key business and marketing skills, Gregory explains. SMMEs join as Bronze Associates. By completing at least five Professional Development activities a year, they progress to Silver and then Gold Level. Ultimately, they can reach Platinum status, which grants lifetime Associateship at no additional cost.
Gregory says that Platinum Associates are then at a stage where they can help mentor other entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business.
“This will empower and support small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups by providing a vibrant community, a collaborative workspace, professional development, resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities to foster innovation and to help SMME Associates succeed in a competitive market,” she says.
Being an Associate also has other benefits, depending on which tier the small business has reached, Gregory says. “For example, SMMEs can, as they develop their companies and climb tiers, receive additional discounts on conferences and events,” she adds.
For those companies who might not be able to afford Associateship when they join, the IMM Institute will seek corporate sponsorship where it can, Gregory states.
“Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this SMME Associateship & Innovation Hub programme is that SMMEs can also be nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which celebrates exceptional innovation, leadership, and vision in the entrepreneurial space,” says Gregory. She notes that this award is not exclusive to Associates of the Institute.
“Our aim is to enable SMMEs to join a thriving community, scale their business, and access unparalleled resources to enable them to succeed in a competitive market. The opportunity to win awards adds to their cache, giving them more credibility when it comes to pitching for business,” says Gregory.
