Aligning to your Industry

A critical success factor for SMMEs is to learn from your peers, network within your industry and collaborate with people you trust to build scale and experience. An excellent way to do this is by joining a business forum or network.

Furthermore, a critical success factor for SMMEs is to learn from your peers, network within your industry and collaborate with people you trust to build scale and experience. An excellent way to do this is by joining a business forum or network.

There are several business forums in South Africa that can drive growth for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

1. Small Business Institute (SBI): SBI is an independent organization that advocates for the needs of small businesses in South Africa. They offer resources, networking opportunities, and events to support SMME growth. https://www.smallbusinessinstitute.co.za/
2. National Small Business Chamber (NSBC): NSBC is a non-profit organisation that provides support, training, and networking opportunities for SMMEs. They host various events, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. https://www.nsbc.africa/

3. South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI): SACCI is one of the country’s oldest business associations, representing the interests of businesses across various sectors. They offer networking events, business advocacy, and access to business resources. https://sacci.org.za/

4. Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA): SEDA is a government agency that focuses on developing and supporting SMMEs in South Africa. They provide business development support, training programmes, and access to funding opportunities.
   http://www.seda.org.za/AboutUs/Jobs/Pages/Home.aspx

5. Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWASA): BWASA is an organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs and business leaders. They offer networking events, mentorship programmes, and resources specifically tailored to women in business. https://bwasa.co.za/

Every province has a business chamber that hosts events, allows you to network with other members and is a useful source of information. Reach out to your local chamber and see what services they provide and how you can get involved.

Most industries have an industry body that drives collaboration, excellence and a common purpose to grow the sector.

1. ACCA: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants www.acca.org.za
   
2. APSO: The recruitment industry body www.apso.org.za
3. CESA: Consulting Engineers South Africa www.cesa.co.za
   
4. CIMAGLOBAL: Chartered Institute of Management Accounts www.cimaglobal.com
   
5. IACSA: Institute of Administration and Commerce South Africa www.iacsa.co.za
   
6. ICB: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers www.icb.org.za
7. IIASA: Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa www.iiasa.org.za
8. IRBA: Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors www.irba.co.za
9. Manufacturing Circle: www.manufacturingcircle.co.za
   
10. SAIBA: South African Institute for Business Accountants www.saiba.org.za
    
11. SAIPA: Southern African Institute of Professional Accountants www.saipa.co.za
    
12. SEIFSA: The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa www.seifsa.co.za
    

1. AMMSA: Association of Mine Managers of South Africa www.ammsa.org.za
2. ASDSA: Association for Skills Development in South Africa www.asdsa.org.za
3. CASA: Cleaning Association of South Africa www.casa-za.com
4. CGCSA: Consumer Goods Council of South Africa www.cgcsa.co.za
5. EAPASA: Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa www.eapasa.org/
6. FEDHASA: Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa www.fedhasa.co.za
7. FIASA: Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa https://fia.org.za/
8. HFA: The Health Funders Association www.hfaassociation.co.za
9. IBASA: Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa www.ibasa.org.za
10. IITPSA: Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa www.iitpsa.org.za
11. IPET: Institute of Professional Engineering Technologists www.ipet.org.za
12. ITA: The Information Technology Association of South Africa www.ita.org.za
13. IWMSA: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa www.iwmsa.co.za
14. MASA: Marketing Association of South Africa www.marketingsa.co.za
15. MBSA: Master Builders South Africa www.masterbuilders.org.za
16. NAA: National Accommodation Association www.naa-sa.co.za
17. SABITA: Southern African Bitumen Association www.sabita.co.za
18. SACNASP: South African Council of Natural Scientific Professions www.sacnasp.org.za
19. SACSSP: South African Council for Social Service Professions www.sacssp.co.za
20. SAFMA: South African Facilities Management Association www.safma.co.za
21. SAIRAC: South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning www.sairac.co.za
22. SAMED: South African Medical Devises industry body www.samed.org.za
23. SANA: South African Nursery Association www.sana.co.za
24. SAPIA: South African Petroleum Industry Association www.sapia.org.za
25. SAPOA: The South African Property Owners Association www.sapoa.org.za
26. SAPVIA: South African Photovoltaic Industry Association www.sapvia.co.za
27. SARTSMA: South African Road Traffic Sign Manufactures Association www.sartsma.co.za
28. SASTA: South African Spaza and Tuck Shop Association www.esdsa.com
29. WISA: Water Institute of Southern Africa www.wisa.org.za

These are just a few examples, and there may be other regional or industry-specific business forums that could be relevant to your business. We recommend that you research and join forums that align with your industry, business goals, and networking needs.