SMME Membership
Grow Your Small Business with ACORN's Network
Welcome to the African Chamber of Regenerative Networks. Our tailored SMME Membership is dedicated to empowering Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) like yours thrive and succeed. As an SMME, we believe that you are the backbone of our economy, and by becoming a member of the Chamber, you’ll gain access to an array of exclusive benefits that can propel your business to new heights.
African Chamber of Regenerative Networks is committed to fostering a supportive community where SMMEs can collaborate, learn, and grow together. Our membership offers a host of advantages designed to enhance your business’s visibility, connections, and sustainability. Join us on this exciting journey and seize the opportunities that await you as part of our vibrant network.
Affordable Membership to Unlock Your Potential
Unleash your potential with ACORN’s SMME membership, designed to fuel growth and success for small and medium-sized enterprises. Join our thriving community at the unbeatable rate of R2500 per year and gain access to the full range of benefits as listed above. Let’s journey together towards a brighter future for your business.
Benefits
- All Startup Membership Benefits
- Discounted Access to In-Person Networking Events for up to 3 Staff
- Chance to be Featured in Our Social Media and Website
- Possibility to be Considered for Investment and Exposure Deals
- Possibility to Structure Bulk Buying/ Supplier Deals for Chamber Members
- Access to Sponsorship Deals for Higher Visibility
- Ability to Nominate for Leadership Positions
- Access to Green Auditing Tools and Certification Programs*
- Promotion within Our Networks
- Ability to Advertise your Regenerative Products and Services to our Member's Network
* features which are in development
As ACORN grows we are able to add new features and opportunities for all of our members. We are always adding new deals and opportunities from our partners. As a member of ACORN you will get access to all new benefits as they emerge.
Why Join the African Chamber of Regenerative Networks?
1 . Amplify Your Impact
As a member of the Chamber, you join a collective force of sustainable business owners, entrepreneurs, experts, and innovators. Together, we have a stronger voice and greater influence to shape policies, advocate for sustainable practices, and drive positive change in Africa’s business landscape.
2. Networking and Collaboration:
Connect with a diverse network of individuals and organizations committed to sustainability. Forge valuable partnerships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that have the potential to create lasting social, environmental, and economic impact. Our networking events, workshops, and forums provide the perfect platform to build meaningful connections and explore new opportunities.
3. Resources and Support
Access a wealth of resources, tools, and expertise tailored to the needs of sustainable businesses. From educational materials and research insights to business development support and mentoring programs, the Chamber equips you with the knowledge and support you need to grow your sustainable business successfully.
4. Visibility and Recognition
Showcase your commitment to sustainability and gain recognition for your efforts. As a Chamber member, you have the opportunity to be featured in our communications, website, and social media channels, gaining exposure to a wider audience and enhancing your brand’s reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices.
5. Influence and Advocacy
As a collective voice, the Chamber represents the interests of its members in advocating for sustainable policies, regulations, and initiatives. Join us in influencing decision-makers, shaping the sustainability agenda, and creating an enabling environment for businesses that prioritise environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity in Africa.
FAQ
The membership is valid for one year from the date of joining. You will be prompted to renew your membership at the end of one year.
We accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and online transfers. We process payments through Payfast and Peach Payments, both leaders in secure and easy payments. We are adding new payment methods often, so check back soon.
If you are not satisfied with the membership and cancel within 30 days of purchase we can provide a refund. After this period we are unable to provide a refund for any fees paid, as your fees are allocated to support the work and projects of the chamber.
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time by contacting our support team or through the member portal.
The membership fee is the only cost associated with joining. You will be notified before your membership renews and given the opportunity to cancel without incurring any additional fees. Additional products, event tickets, or workshops are sold separately. Your card will never be charged without your consent.
If you later qualify for Corporate membership, through rasiing your turnover to over R10 Million (or equivalent); you can request to switch to the appropriate membership category in the membership portal. As Corporate memberships are customised to the needs and vision of your company, this often involves a support call or online meeting to find out how we can best align and keep growing together.
Individual Membership is available to people wanting to join the chamber as individual persons i.e. as community members, academics, civil society, etc. We offer this membership at a very affordable rate to afford all Africans an opportunity to participate in the sustainable economy. You may not use this membership to represent your company or business regardless of the size. In addition there are benefits only available to company members designed to help your business grow. If you have a small business or are just starting out, you may qualify for Startup Membership as the best option for you and packed with benefits to help you grow. If your business is more established you would benefit from SMME membership.
If you have already paid for individual membership for this year and wish to upgrade to include your business, please contact support so we can offer you a pro-rata discount.
As a member/founder of an NPO, Individual membership may be the best choice. Your organisation might benefit from partnering with us as well. Please get in touch via our contact form. Please note your NPO/NGO cannot use our logos or advertise itself as a member if you only have an individual membership. The same would apply to academic organisations, incubators, accelerators, parastatal and government organisations. Please connect with us to discuss how we can best work together.
If you have an NPC, social enterprise, or an NGO with significant commercial activity and you want to access SMME benefits, then consider if you meet the SMME criteria and use the SMME Membership to apply.
Membership is open to companies operating on the continent of Africa regardless of the nationality of founders and staff, as well as companies run by African nationals residing abroad, as well as companies with founders who identify as members of the African diaspora. If you work on the continent and have a concern for African sustainability, you may apply for membership. However it should be noted most of our benefits are best suited to those who can access the regional opportunities; and we prioritize African citizens when considering exposure and investment deals.
If you wish to instead support the work of ACORN as a philanthropist or donor, you may be interested in our ‘Friends of ACORN Membership’ which allows you to set a sliding scale donation. If alternatively you have a company abroad and wish to bring your technologies and services to Africa, if you do not fit the criteria for a startup or SMME, please explore our Corporate membership instead. If you have an international NPO/NGO/Incubator/Chamber etc and want to deploy your solutions or fund projects in Africa, please connect with us to explore a partnership.
Memberships are non-transferable and are for the company which applied initially only. If you have multiple companies, each one will need it’s own membership in order to access the full suite of benefits.
As a member, you will receive exclusive access details and instructions via email, as well as in the Member’s portal.
Members have the opportunity to be considered for speaking engagements by expressing their interest and expertise. A form is available in the members portal.
An SMME membership allows you to enjoy ALL discounts offered by the chamber, including Company discounts designed to grow your business exponentially. All members can enjoy special discounts on exciting regenerative products from our partners.