The Cape Chamber of Commerce is constantly reviewing its services offering to ensure we remain relevant. Many of our services are aligned to international chambers of commerce, but we are mindful to keep our offering relevant to the local market, and to augment our offering to help companies reach export potential where appropriate.
The following services are available to members as a baseline offering. However, based on industry needs and global events, we will be offering additional services and events throughout the year. Please subscribe to our events newsletter to ensure you are informed.
Serving business
Seminars/Symposia & Workshops
A variety of seminars, symposia and workshops are offered by the Chamber to provide information sharing and training to businesses.
For more information, please contact denise@capechamber.co.za
Networking and building business contacts
The Chamber organises events such as speed networking and breakfast networking sessions which provide opportunities for both informal and formal networking between businesses. More than 300 networking opportunities take place every year. These popular events are well attended and result in new business leads and the ability to extend your direct and indirect network.
For more information, please contact lucia@capechamber.co.za
Conferences and Major Events
The Chamber organizes major events such as:
• Doing Business in Africa
• Resource Efficiency Conference
• International Women’s Day
• Budget Speech Breakfast
• Golf Day
• City meets Business Symposium
• Supplier Development and Access to Finance conference/expo
• Exporter of the Year Awards Dinner
For more information, please contact denise@capechamber.co.za
Chapter & Branch Support
The Chamber has local committees in Athlone and Cape Flats, Cape Town Central, Cape Coast, Drakenstein, Helderberg, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, South Peninsula, Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, and the West Coast. Chapter meetings and networking sessions are held at various venues throughout the region to offer members the opportunity to meet informally, to listen to topical speakers or express their concerns about particular issues affecting business in the area.
For more information, please contact linda@capechamber.co.za
Enabling business
International trade development and facilitation
Information on certain aspects of exporting and importing form a vital and comprehensive service.
International Trade Desk – Bringing Business To You
The International Trade Desk is a newly launched unit by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The desk is the first point of contact to trade missions and visiting business executives from overseas, seeking buying or selling opportunities with local businesses. We arrange for the delegates to come to the Chamber and meet with our members. We also set up information seminars on how to do business with various countries and assist members with information on local and international exhibition.
International buyers frequently visit South Africa to meet with local businesses who are potential suppliers of products and services. This provides an opportunity for members of the Cape Chamber and other local businessmen to meet on a one-on-one basis with pre-screened foreign buyers, potential, distributors, sale agents, prospective customers and business partners in a foreign market.
The last couple of months the International Trade Desk have been exceptionally busy hosting inward trade missions from various countries. Thus far, we have welcomed trade delegations from Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, etc. International trade delegations give local businesses an opportunity to explore business opportunities whether through exports, imports or investments.
The International Desk also hosts a number of information seminars on doing business with foreign countries, a way for local businesses to find business growth opportunities. We’ve had the honour of meeting foreign diplomatic representatives i.e. the High Commissioners, Ambassadors and Consul General of countries like Malawi, Namibia, Brazil, etc. to enlighten us of the lucrative business opportunities available in their countries.
At a recently held seminar on Doing Business in Africa Seminar, it was mentioned that “Africa is booming and offers an untapped market”. With the Doing Business with our Neighbours series we want to offer local business owners an opportunity to learn about the business environment in these African countries so that they can take advantage of the opportunities provided.
The International Trade desk has also been involved in projects like the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge Award (IWEC) and Exporter of the year
To ensure that we meet the needs of our members when it comes to international markets, the International Desk has created a survey that allows us to know which countries and what products our members are interested in.
For more information on how you can become involved, please drop our International Desk Officer, Nosiphiwo Mqikela a line on Nosi@capechamber.co.za
International contacts
Due to the brotherhood relationship that exists between Chambers of Commerce worldwide, members have access to Chambers situated in most parts of the world.
For more information, please contact romilda@capechamber.co.za
Commissioner of Oaths
Many businesses need a commissioner of oaths to verify documentation – especially when dealing with government. The Chamber has a duly authorised commissioner, on site, who will gladly assist Chamber members where possible.
For more information, please contact narieman@capechamber.co.za
Document Certification/Certificates of Origin
The Chamber, as an accredited issuing body, certifies certificates of origin as required by foreign customs departments.
For more information, please contact narieman@capechamber.co.za
Carnet de Commerce
A Carnet de Commerce or letter of introduction from the Chamber is an invaluable business aid available to members traveling abroad on business. It is bilingual in English and French.
For more information, please contact narieman@capechamber.co.za
Business Support Department
African Commercial Dispute Settlement Centre
The new Mediation Rule makes mediation a compulsory step in the court process. In response to these new rules, as well as a growing call from business to lower the operational risks and costs associated with litigation in South Africa, the Cape Chamber of Commerce has launched the African Commercial Dispute Settlement Centre.
For more information, please contact disputesettlement@capechamber.co.za
Business Advice
The Chamber is able to provide members with information on a variety of business matters including BBBEE, Transport and Industrial relations etc.
For more information, please contact info@capechamber.co.za
Human Resources
The Chamber is able to assist members who require guidance and information on labour issues, conditions of employment as well as education and training related legislation.
For more information, please contact info@capechamber.co.za
Enterprise Development Fund
Enterprise Development is an inexpensive way to earn BBBEE points but many small and medium sized companies don’t have the capacity to actively manage or organise the business development activities associated with enterprise development. The Chamber, as a credible and neutral organisation, with support from the Department of Trade & Industry, has established an enterprise development fund that supports the Chamber’s goal of growing SMEs and allows contributing businesses to add to their own BEE scorecard.
For more information, please contact narieman@capechamber.co.za
OCSACare – Occupational Healthcare Plan
This provides a health risk management tool designed for the South African labour market. It benefits employees who are not covered by medical aid or medical insurance.
For more information, please contact tina@capechamber.co.za
Pension Fund
All members of the Chamber, whether they employ a large or small staff compliment, are eligible for membership of the Chambers of Commerce Pension Fund. This is an umbrella fund that is ideal for the SMME.
For more information, please contact ccpfund@eqweb.co.za
Meeting Rooms for Hire
The Chamber has various meeting rooms available for hire to members at special member rates. Conference equipment such as a flip chart, overhead projector, TV & VCR/DVD, and Data Projectors are available. Refreshments are also available on request.
For more information, please contact carmen@capechamber.co.za
Advertising:
The Chamber communicates extensively with its members personally, electronically and via the printed media.
For more information, please contact joy@capechamber.co.za
Business Today
A regular electronic newsletter keeping members up-to-date with information on the world of business, various business opportunities, our products and services, new chamber members as well as tender news.
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Government Gazette Notices
This mailer highlights various, recently published government and provincial gazette notices and is distributed weekly (on a Wednesday) to interested members.
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Events Focus
A fortnightly mailer reminding members of the upcoming events and functions, as well as networking opportunities the Chamber has arranged.
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Website
The Chamber’s website is a comprehensive portal for business information and services in the Western Cape, providing local, national and international exposure for the Chamber and its members. It is the perfect place to profile your company and its products and services, assisting your company increase its SEO and Internet relevance.
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Bulletin
A quarterly publication focusing on business trends both locally and internationally. The Bulletin is distributed to all our members, stakeholders and international consulates and embassies. Guest columnists give their insight into trends of the day, supplying businesses with strategic information, crafted to make a measurable difference to their operations. The Bulletin has a readership of over 12 000 and has an extended shelf life, delivering excellent value for advertisers.
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Brochure display
Display your brochures at our busy main reception on the 2nd floor at Cape Chamber House or at our Athlone and Tygerberg offices. The Chamber attracts around 100 local and international visitors each day.
For more information, please contact carmen@capechamber.co.za
Chamber Wall Calendar
12 Members have the opportunity of sponsoring a month each on this ever popular A1 size wall calendar. The calendar is distributed free to members, large corporates, libraries etc from the middle of November.
The ad rates are available here.
Chamber member logo
Chamber decals featuring the logo and wording “Member: Cape Chamber of Commerce” are available in electronic format for use on members’ websites, letterheads and stationery.
For more information, please contact denise@capechamber.co.za
Leading business
Portfolio committees
The Chamber has established Portfolio Committees to play a pivotal role in policy formulation and information sharing. Each Committee covers a specific area of interest and they are representative of all business sectors. Committees have been structured to mirror those of Business Unity South Africa and close ties between the two organisations sees the Cape Chamber taking an important role representing members at NEDLAC.
Portfolio Committees:
• Economic and Financial Developments
• Human Capital Development
• ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
• Industrial Focus
• International Trade and Tourism
• Small Business Development
• Transformation
• Transport and Transport Infrastructure
For more information, please contact narieman@capechamber.co.za
Advocacy and legislative overview
The Chamber monitors proposed legislative changes that could affect business interests. Where necessary, evidence is submitted to the appropriate Parliamentary Standing Committees or other authorities on behalf of Business.
For more information, please contact narieman@capechamber.co.za
