“TBP is a caring, effective, easily accessible, friendly and very welcoming environment and makes one proud and excited to be associated with this brand.”
- Dumisani Hlatshwayo, Branch Manager, TBP Alex

Key services offered by TBP Alex are:

• Access to TBP Navigators who provide one-on-one consultations.
• Relevant business information and resources.
• Free internet access for business research and idea generation.
• Referrals to resources such as quality business-development service-providers, government resources and financial institutions.
• Free legal advice, by appointment, provided by local professionals.
• Business-to-business networking opportunities.
• Opportunities to showcase products and services.
• Regular hands-on workshops on a wide range of business-related topics.
• Free use of meeting rooms and training facilities.
• Business Improvement Group (BIG) for existing businesses to network and support each other.

Recent activities include the following:

• The Alexandra Business Leader of the Year Award competition, run in collaboration with Standard Bank, gave a cash injection to the businesses of the three winners and inspired local entrepreneurs. 
• The award is expanding into a second competition in the Soweto region (to be run by TBP Kliptown).
• The Alexandra Military Veterans Programme is a holistic programme for ex-MK and APLA combatants aimed at helping them to start and sustain their own businesses. 
• A Standard Bank procurement workshop allowed clients to gain firsthand knowledge on how to offer their services to the bank.
• The Business Improvement Group (BIG), for operating clients, continues to support and inspire local business owners.  They are currently busy creating a catalogue profiling each business, so that they have a professional tool with which to market their products and services.
  

Each month the following workshops and training are offered:

• Market Research
• Customer Service
• Marketing
• Introduction to Record Keeping
• Essentials of a Business Plan
• Costing and Pricing
• Tendering for Beginners
• Advertising and Branding
• Understanding Tax for Small Businesses
• Market Research Workshop
• Micro-MBA training
  

Linda Gregory (Dumisani) Hlatshwayo, Manager: The Business Place Alexandra

Linda Gregory Hlatshwayo (popularly known as Dumisani) was born and bred in the dusty streets of Mofolo South in Soweto.  He completed his matric in the turbulent eighties and furthered his education through Unisa, Damelin and the International Labour Organisation.  He operated a business for more than eight years and has been involved in SMME development for more than ten years.  He is a strong advocate for previously disadvantaged groups and women’s economic emancipation and development in the country.

TBP inspires him as he believes that a way to improve the lives of the ordinary people should be through establishing as many businesses as possible.  An economic environment conducive to development can be created whereby unemployment and poverty can be minimized.  This would also contribute towards the reduction of the crime and other social problems in South Africa