Initiatives like the Global Brand Alliance Institute (GBA Institute) are emerging as beacons of hope, offering crucial support and guidance to budding enterprises. At the helm of this transformative endeavour is Tamane A. Murahwa, the Founder and Executive Director of GBA Institute.
THE STAR | METRO SECTION | MARCH 1, 2024
In the dynamic landscape of South African entrepreneurship, small businesses often face daunting challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability. However, amidst these obstacles, initiatives like the Global Brand Alliance Institute (GBA Institute) are emerging as beacons of hope, offering crucial support and guidance to budding enterprises. At the helm of this transformative endeavour is Tamane A. Murahwa, the Founder and Executive Director of GBA Institute.
Formerly known as Look Better Institute, the organisation has rebranded itself to Global Brand Alliance Institute, to reflect its expanded vision and mission. As a Transformative Socio-Economic Innovative Enterprise (TSIE), the institute is dedicated to empowering African tech startups and small businesses, particularly those situated in marginalised regions such as townships and rural areas. Through a multifaceted approach that includes professional branding and marketing support as well as local business education, GBA Institute aims to equip these businesses with the tools they need to thrive in competitive markets.
The high failure rate of small businesses in South Africa underscores the urgent need for initiatives like GBA Institute. Identifying professional branding and marketing support, along with tailored local business education, as two critical factors that can significantly impact the success of these enterprises, GBA Institute has strategically positioned itself to address these challenges head-on. By providing targeted assistance to deserving innovating businesses, the institute is paving the way for sustainable growth and development.
One such beneficiary of GBA Institute's programme, Brand Alliance For African Tech Startups, is Street Swift Media, a tech startup revolutionising hyper-local digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising in South Africa. Through an exclusive reseller partnership with 365 Digital, a leading technology and advertising company in the region, Street Swift Media is changing the way AI and DOOH media coexist by integrating LED screens into their delivery boxes. This innovative approach allows brands to reach consumers on the move with hyper-location-based targeting, maximising their marketing potential while providing valuable data on ad exposure.
Julian Jordaan, CEO of 365 Digital, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with the company's vision to connect brands to consumers and drive real business growth. With Swift Smart Delivery Boxes, brands now have access to actionable insights into campaign performance, empowering them to make data-driven decisions and optimise their advertising strategies effectively.
Another success story stemming from GBA Institute's initiatives is Lipstick Chronicles, the inaugural recipient of Brand Alliance For Womenpreneurs programme. Dr. Nomvuselelo Songelwa, affectionately known as Dr. Mvusy, Director of Lipstick Chronicles, lauded the support provided by GBA Institute, highlighting the significant growth and partnerships the platform has achieved as a result. The assistance extended to Lipstick Chronicles has evolved into a formalised partnership, as Brand Alliance For Womenpreneurs has recognised the platform's impact and potential. From the burgeoning community of Lipstick Chronicles, Brand Alliance For Womenpreneurs has selected 20 women-owned businesses to receive tailored support for their branding and marketing needs.
As South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve, GBA Institute remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering small businesses and driving socio-economic transformation. The impact results of GBA Institute are not only tangible but also transformative, showcasing a remarkable journey of economic upliftment, access to capital, job creation, market expansion, sustainability impact, brand recognition, community engagement, digital presence, and a lasting, positive ripple effect on the broader economy.
Through strategic partnerships, tailored support, and a relentless dedication to their mission, Murahwa and the team at GBA Institute are shaping a brighter future for African entrepreneurs and their communities.