Kempton Park CBO branch celebrates first anniversary, welcomes new members

The Community Business Owners (CBO) Kempton Park branch celebrated its first anniversary on 8 August with a meeting that welcomed new members and reflected on a year of growth.

Launched in August 2024 at Eagle’s Nest Coffee Shop, the branch was created to connect local entrepreneurs, foster business opportunities, and strengthen the local economy.

Over the past year, it has become a valuable platform for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and encouraging collaboration.

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This year’s anniversary meeting drew six attendees, including three newcomers. The gathering was hosted by branch leader Linda Lombard, joined by Hanjo de Jager and her daughter Chanelle Erasmus from a logistics company, guesthouse owner Linda Noppé, printing business owner Jenaia Greyling, and construction entrepreneur Lazarus Ngwenyama.

Lombard emphasised the importance of business visibility. “We must use the media to our advantage and engage with more people to build connections and collaboration,” she said.

“Face-to-face meetings are equally vital – they help us engage and grow together.”

Hanjo de Jager credited the CBO platform with opening doors for her logistics business by connecting her with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Chanelle Erasmus, who has worked alongside her mother for years, sees CBO as a place for mutual upliftment and education, helping members gain exposure, run their businesses better, and create employment opportunities.

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For guesthouse owner Linda Noppé, who joined four months ago, CBO has been an eye-opening experience.

“I’ve learned a lot, especially as I’m still in the early stages of my business. Networking brings business, and CBO has pushed me to market myself and step out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Greyling, who discovered CBO through a Facebook advert, said meeting people in person strengthens relationships and leads to referrals. Ngwenyama, a member since the branch launched, added that collaboration is key to building a stronger local economy.

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“We’ve connected around 50 small businesses through these meetings. We’re providing a valuable service for local entrepreneurs – a place to connect, collaborate, and support one another. It’s wonderful to see new members joining alongside our regulars. We are going to have an impact,” Lombard said.

The branch meets monthly at Eagle’s Nest Coffee Shop. Entrepreneurs interested in joining can register via the CBO website at www.cbconnect.co.za to receive updates on future gatherings.