FNB upgrades Biznetwork

Johannesburg, 30 Aug 2007

First National Bank (FNB) plans to make its Biznetwork the Facebook of SME entrepreneurs. This will see a Web of like-minded profiles interacting online, with one goal in common: working for oneself and succeeding in business.

"Our interaction with the small business market over the past 16 months, since the launch of Biznetwork, has provided us with an unsurpassed understanding of what small to medium business owners in SA are lacking," says FNB Biznetwork COO Marcel Klaassen.

Klaassen says the Biznetwork user base predominantly consists of sole proprietors, owner-managed businesses and "fast-moving young entrepreneurs". Most are faced with key decisions that they would more than likely have to make on their own.

"With no direct access to affordable professional advice, or a broader team capable of providing an informed decision, they are often left in the dark as to how to take their business forward and/or get it off the ground.

"In this light, we decided to upgrade our virtual platform to allow for more practical, interactive and instantaneous support, readily available to the man on the street, practically anywhere in the world, 24/7.

"We've added more than 200 downloadable tools and templates for everyday use in the business environment, as well as gratis video downloads of key business speakers, top CEOs and industry experts."

The site, www.biznetwork.co.za, offers full members Internet and business e-mail access, a business Web site and personalised URL - free of charge.

"This is another step in the digital revolution, where entrepreneurs can now join an online networking community, business clubs, blogs and discussion forums so vital to expanding their horizons in the early stages of making their business succeed," Klaassen adds.