Partnership
Advanced Assessments & Training is in the business of advancing the youth of South Africa through high-quality education. We are driven to inspire a more confident, skilled and motivated South African youth through our learnership programs supported by a dynamic team of game changers, move makers and visionaries.
With over 17 years of experience in the industry, we are perfectly positioned to provide you with both; the skill needed to propel you and your business to its next level of success and; secondly add to your B-BBEE scorecard points.
It is our goal to make a noticeable change in creating an empowered workforce and an advanced nation. We look to partner with companies that are striving to raise the skills standard for South African youth
Building Bridges: Empowering South African Women, Youth, and SMMEs for Intra Africa Trade.
In celebration of International Women’s Month, two dynamic female entrepreneurs, Yvonne Iyer, founder of Yin Connect (Pty) Ltd, and Rajeshwari Budree, founder of Brandcheck Academy, have joined forces to launch the Building Bridges event. This initiative serves as a powerful platform to empower South African women, youth, and SMMEs by fostering inclusion in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Building Bridges event is more than a celebration—it is a strategic movement designed to equip South African businesses with the knowledge, networks, and tools to thrive in the AfCFTA framework. By merging their expertise and resources, Yvonne and Rajeshwari are committed to driving sustainable business growth, skills development, and strategic trade partnerships across the continent.
Through interactive sessions, expert panels, and targeted business matchmaking opportunities, this initiative seeks to break down trade barriers, enhance cross- border collaboration, and position South African enterprises for success in Africa’s single market.
Meet the Trailblazing Leaders
Rajeshwari Budree, the visionary behind Brandcheck Academy, is a leader in personal, SME, and corporate branding. With over 20 years of global experience in B2B and B2C sectors, she specializes in elevating brands through masterclasses, workshops, and strategic consulting. Rajeshwari’s deep expertise in marketing, strategy, and operations ensures that businesses not only establish a strong market presence but also achieve sustainable growth in competitive landscapes.
As the founder of Yin Connect, Yvonne has played a pivotal role in advancing South African SMEs through skills development, trade facilitation, and corporate governance. With a track record of implementing over 120 projects under the German Senior Expert Services (SES) program, she has empowered countless businesses by bridging knowledge gaps and fostering international partnerships.
Yvonne’s expertise in trade facilitation, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement makes her a leading advocate for inclusive economic development.
Why Building Bridges Matters
- Empowering Women and Youth: Facilitating access to mentorship, training, and business expansion opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
- Unlocking AfCFTA Potential: Equipping SMEs with practical knowledge on trade regulations, cross-border market access, and business growth strategies.
- Fostering Strategic Partnerships: Creating networking opportunities with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to enable real business outcomes.
- Enhancing Brand Visibility: Providing businesses with branding and market positioning strategies to compete successfully within the AfCFTA framework.
The Building Bridges event is a call to action for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to contribute to the transformation of South Africa’s business landscape. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a growing SME, or an established business, this initiative offers valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about driving African trade and economic inclusivity.
Rajeshwari Budree
Email: r.budree@brandcheckacademy.co.za
Website: https://lnkd.in/g9QezGnR
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dDWDM7hw
Yvonne Iyer
Email: yvonne@yinconnect.co.za
Website: www.yinconnect.co.za
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yinconnect108
Join us as we build bridges, break barriers, and create new opportunities for South African businesses in Africa’s growing economy.
Our Team
Founder & CEO - Brandcheck Academy
Rajeshwari Budree is the visionary founder of Brandcheck Academy, a premier institution that specializes in Masterclasses, Workshops, and Accredited courses designed to elevate both Personal, SME and Corporate brands. With a deep-seated passion for building and enhancing brands, Rajeshwari has devoted her career to helping Corporates, SME and Individuals achieve their branding aspirations.
At Brandcheck Academy, Rajeshwari offers expert guidance on Personal, SME and corporate branding, drawing from her extensive experience in the industry. Her commitment to excellence is evident in the success stories of her clients, who have benefited from her strategic insights and practical advice.
In addition to her role at the academy, Rajeshwari leads a dynamic brand agency known for its impactful brand strategies that resonate deeply with target audiences. Her work not only empowers businesses to grow but also equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to stand out in a competitive market.
Rajeshwari brings over 20 years of Global and Pan Africa experience as a B2B and B2C executive. She has a demonstrated track record of establishing and managing complex multi-currency projects in the financial services, motor, and telecoms industries. Her unique blend of expertise spans strategy, marketing, branding, and operations, complemented by advanced skills in communication and stakeholder
management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rajeshwari is deeply passionate about Facilitation and Training. She is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators, helping them unlock their full potential through comprehensive and engaging educational experiences.
Empowering Women and Youth Through Strategic Consultancy - Yin Connect
Yvonne Iyer is an independent consultant, and the founder of Yin Connect (Pty) Ltd, a company dedicated to advancing South African SMEs with a strategic focus on empowering women and youth. With extensive experience in skills development, corporate governance, and program implementation, Yvonne has positioned herself as a dynamic leader committed to fostering sustainable growth and driving meaningful change in marginalized communities.
Professional Experience
Senior Expert Services (SES) German Industry for International Cooperation
For the past nine years, Yvonne has served as a professional skills catalyst for the Foundation of German Industry for International Cooperation through the Senior Expert Services (SES) program. Under this German-funded initiative, she has successfully facilitated and implemented the skills and knowledge-transfer program that have positively impacted over 120 SMME projects across all nine provinces of South Africa. Her work involves fostering partnerships, delivering strategic interventions, and equipping small businesses with the competencies needed to
thrive in competitive markets.
Southern African German Chamber of Commerce (SAGCC)
As the KwaZulu-Natal Manager for the Southern African German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCC), for over 6 years, Yvonne Iyer played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between South Africa and Germany. She led strategic initiatives to foster strategic business partnerships, support local enterprises in accessing international markets, and facilitate networking, and member events between Germany and Southern African industries.
Yvonne's responsibilities included stakeholder engagement, event coordination, and providing advisory services to businesses seeking to expand their footprint within the Southern African and European markets. Her leadership was instrumental in driving economic collaboration, ensuring alignment with industry trends, and promoting sustainable business development across the region.
Corporate Governance Expertise
Iyer is a competent corporate governance professional with a proven track record of serving on the Board of Directors of an agricultural company. Her role involves ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, strategic decision-making, and guiding the organization towards ethical and sustainable business practices. She possesses a keen understanding of governance principles and the ability to align corporate strategies with stakeholder expectations, ensuring transparency and accountability at every level.
Key Competencies and Skill Sets
- Women and Youth Empowerment: Dedicated to creating pathways for women and youth in business, providing mentorship, and facilitating access to opportunities that enable their economic participation and growth.
- Program Implementation and Blueprint Development: Adept at translating strategic objectives into actionable programs, Iyer excels in implementing blueprint initiatives that align with organizational goals and deliver measurable impact.
- Reporting and Monitoring: Skilled in designing and executing monitoring frameworks to track program performance, assess impact, and provide comprehensive reports to stakeholders, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic objectives.
- International Trade Facilitation: Expertise in navigating global commerce and positioning SMEs for success in international markets through strategic partnerships, regulatory compliance, and market-entry strategies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government bodies, private sector partners, and international organizations to drive collaborative initiatives that promote economic development.
Commitment to Social Impact
Driven by a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, Iyer continuously strives to foster entrepreneurial growth, enhance capacity-building initiatives, and advocate for inclusivity within the South African economic landscape.
Through her leadership at Yin Connect, she remains steadfast in her mission to unlock potential, bridge knowledge gaps, and create sustainable development opportunities for women and youth. For strategic partnerships and collaboration opportunities, connect with Yvonne Iyer to explore innovative solutions for empowering South African SMEs.