THE INSTITUTE OF SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT : :

The Institute of Small Business Management (ISBM) was set-up in 1998 and is a fully accredited institution recognised by the Small Enterprise Development Initiative

The ISBM was formed to help strengthen the growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SME's), through applied research and competence development programmes and development of a range of techniques and methodologies to promote the implementation of best practise standards.
We do these by:

Responding proactively to the changing needs of SME's.
Helping develop effective SME competence and best practice.
International development of forums for information exchange.
Provision of effective business skills SME managers and owners to enable them contribute more effectively to running a successful business.
Promoting entrepreneurship and enterprise education
To be a leading authority in entrepreneurship and small business management.
To commission and promote applied research in the entrepreneurship, enterprise turnaround, finance, marketing and growth, and publishes the findings thereof through various media.
To enable networking and information exchange within the context of small business forum or council, particularly in less developed economies.
Organise, support and facilitate entrepreneurship and small business research, conferences and workshops.
Promote and support best practise standards in SME management targeting less developed economies.
Promote and deliver internationally recognised training programmes leading to Diplomas, Degrees (BSc), and Masters Degree (MSc) in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

In furtherance of the Institute's mission, we aim to:

Promote the Institute as the leading authority in small business management by commissioning and promoting applied research in the SME sector turnaround and growth, and publishing the findings thereof.
Enable networking and information exchange within the context of small business forums.
Organise, support and facilitate small business conferences, lectures and workshops.
Promote and support best practise standards in SME management and entrepreneurship.
Promote and deliver internationally recognised training programmes leading to Diplomas and MBA's in small business management and entrepreneurship
.Publish the Institutes bi-monthly magazine.

ISBM membership gives status and professional recognition. In order to become a member of the institute, applicants must meet a high standard of business management and development. The institute's professional status is recognised by designatory letter, which identify members as professionally competent managers that are highly regarded by employers, colleagues, and the general public. Some other benefits that will be gained by joining ISBM are:

The institute ensures that members are kept informed and updated about the specific and general issues that may have impacts on Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SME's) either through it's comprehensive information resource library or it's bi-monthly magazine; The Small Business Management magazine.
The Institute provides networking opportunities for it's members. This is facilitated by the institute's representation of like minded associates and organisations.
Membership provides opportunities for continued development of business skills.
Provision of access to seminars, workshops, and conferences that will expose members to other businesses and provide a forum for discussing issues.
Fellow of the institute (FISBM) is awarded to members who have demonstrated and made considerable contribution the development of SME's either in their capacity as consultants, counsellors, researchers, managers, business owners or long standing associates of the institute.
Associate membership (AISBM) is awarded to members who have successfully completed the institutes Diploma in Small Business Management and Development or to those whom the membership committee deems suitable due to their experience and contributions to SME's.