Flexibility, hard work, and honesty

About US

 

Through globalization, vast opportunities lie for leaders in and beyond our own borders and we are here to bridge that connection.

01. Strategic

We  identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them

02. Professional

We are honest professionals who understand the importance of knowing our business, exceeding expectations.

03. Loyal

Loyalty is a critically important ingredient in both our business and our personal lives.

VISION

To become a leading female entrepreneur connecting people and Yin Connect enables purpose driven co-operations. Through globalization, vast opportunities lie for leaders in and beyond our own borders and we are here to bridge that connection.organisations from South Africa to all over the world.

MISSION

To lead and pave interconnected paths of South African businesses and connect them to international platforms. And to positively enhance economic, cultural, and political integration around the world.

Our Values

Flexibility, hard work, and honesty, Empowerment through education, especially for women and children
Serving with passion and purpose, Compassion coupled with gratitude, Transparency, Integrity, Professionalism
Dedication with creativity

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

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. 

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.

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.

For more details and participation inquiries, connect with:

Yvonne Iyer
Email: yvonne@yinconnect.co.za
Website: www.yinconnect.co.za
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yinconnect108

Rajeshwari Budree
Email: r.budree@brandcheckacademy.co.za
Website: https://lnkd.in/g9QezGnR
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dDWDM7hw

Join us as we build bridges, break barriers, and create new opportunities for South African businesses in Africa’s growing economy.

Yvonne Iyer: Empowering Women and Youth Through Strategic Consultancy

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.

 

Rajeshwari Budree

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.

About Rajeshwari and Brandcheck Academy 

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.