Absa has introduced an initiative that provides entrepreneurs with access to over 1 000 online training courses and videos, as well as business and marketing software programs.
"Entrepreneurs can also attend training seminars and networking events and call on a dedicated business development manager for specialist business advice," says Sizwe Tati, Absa small business managing executive.
The initiative, called Business Advantage, has two basic product offerings, Tati says. For R165 per month, the Business Essentials package offers interactive e-learning opportunities, as well as business and marketing software, he says.
The Business Circle package, which costs R140 per month, offers members the opportunity to attend best-practice seminars and networking events. The package also gives members access to expert advice from a business development manager whose job it is to support members of the Business Circle, Tati says.
There is also a combined version of the two offerings available at R245 per month.
The initial roll-out took place on 15 May in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, and the products will be made available nationwide by the end of the year, Tati says.
Tebogo Khaas, chairman of the SMME Forum, says Absa`s initiative is the kind of non-financial assistance that small business owners need. However, business owners face the cost of Internet access as a barrier to continuous training, he says.
Khaas adds that Absa`s initiative should not be seen as a substitute to what government should be doing to provide non-financial support to small business owners.
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