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National Initiatives Concerning the Career Guidance/Information/Vocational Counselling - South Africa
Source: Business Referral and Information Network (BRAIN)
Business Referral and Information Network (BRAIN)
The Business Referral and Information Network (BRAIN) programme was initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry. Any individual or small business that needs business information may call the National Centre for assistance with business queries. Queries may vary from quite basic ones, e.g. 'Who can help me finance my business' to very complex ones concerning manufacturing processes, international markets, patent infringements, etc. Online resources include information and guidance in starting a small business, managing a small business, growing your business, support for small business and business opportunities and a "Business starter kit".
The BRAIN Programme rests on three pillars:
The National Affiliated Members
In order to bring the service to all communities in South Africa, the Programme is affiliating existing business support centres across the country. Centre personnel are trained on the BRAIN information resources, and empowered to deliver an enhanced service to clients in their communities.The BRAIN website
The BRAIN website consists of more than 300 pages of comprehensive business information. The information is continuously expanded and updated. The site attracts more than 27000 visitors per month, many of them from foreign countries eager to do business with South African companies. The site is fast and easy to navigate or search.The National Information Centre
The Centre is staffed by business information consultants, who have access to a vast number of information resources. The Centre receives queries by phone, fax, e-mail, post, walk-in. Basic queries are answered within a day, while more complex enquiries are answered within a week or two, depending on the nature of the query and the availability of the client for feedback. All enquiries are captured on a client database, and follow-up calls are made to ensure that the client received the correct information.[Top]