Small Business Conversations

Business Partners’ latest SME Confidence Index shows that small businesses are quite optimistic about their growth prospects in 2024. However, concerns linger about the regulatory reform needed to support that growth. Small Business Conversations

The Makers Landing Kitchen Incubator programme at the iconic shopping and tourist destination offers entrepreneurs the necessary development training, mentorship, access to market and finance opportunities to help their small businesses grow. Small Business Conversations

'It can be a harsh industry, so you need to be on top of your game,' says Property Point founder Shawn Theunissen, commenting on the retention of black- and women-owned small businesses in the sector. Small Business Conversations

Matt Putman of iKhokha says the payment platform is providing options to convert hesitant small businesses to new innovative payment solutions. He hopes to see penetration into the informal market in the next year or two. Small Business Conversations

Former business teacher Luvuyo Rani founded Silulo Ulutho Technologies in 2004, today his non-profit arm, the Silulo Foundation, has partnered with the Western Cape government to pilot the SMME Booster Fund aimed at equipping township businesses with the skills they need to thrive. Small Business Conversations

For Attacq’s Michael Clampett, demand for the flexible retail space at Mall of Africa indicates there is cause to open at least 10 more locations in the country’s mega malls. Small Business Conversations

Co-owner of Cape Town-based Hope Sonic, Strati Zitianellis, says the company, which manufactures affordable plastic toys for Shoprite, is stocked up for the peak Christmas shopping period. Small Business Conversations

The November month-end sales bonanza may be over, but David Adams of Payfast advises small businesses to diversify their payment methods and product offerings to increase their appeal to overstretched consumers going into the Christmas and back-to-school promotional periods. Small Business Conversations

Small Business Conversations with Akhona Matshoba offers a fresh take on critical conversations that impact South Africa’s small business sector. This weekly podcast offers interviews with ground-breaking entrepreneurs and industry experts, extracting the gems they have to offer to those wanting to take their businesses forward. Small Business Conversations

Although there are some glimmers of hope, the upcoming elections could further hurt optimism if they exacerbate political instability. Omar Hassan of SNG Grant Thornton breaks down its latest research and explains the nuances of mid-market businesses operating in SA. Small Business Conversations

Strategies for small businesses in a cash-conscious market from Gerhard le Roux, Capital Connect Small Business Conversations

For Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa of TBCSA the regulation of sharing platforms like Airbnb will open the floodgates for calls for an industry-wide approach to regulation – roping BnBs and hotels into the discussion. So government must also consider how it plans to enforce regulation of this magnitude fairly, he says. Small Business Conversations

Ahmore Burger-Smidt from Werksmans Attorneys walks us through the important considerations for SMEs looking to trade via the Amazon marketplace. Small Business Conversations

The Small Business Institute's latest research details the cost of municipal dysfunction on small businesses, and CEO John Dludlu helps contextualise the data to reflect the real-time consequences for SMEs tasked with navigating the chaos. Small Business Conversations

The 2023 Franchise Survey shows an improved picture of the industry – and as Fred Makgato, CEO of the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa), explains, the supportive ecosystem offered by the franchise model can foster better growth for SMEs. Small Business Conversations

Maboang Matlou, founder of agri-processing business Lefakong Moringa, says the company is venturing into Botswana, Dubai, and the US to sell its products as local retail shelves are dominated by big brands. Small Business Conversations

Sihlesenkosi Majola of Popping, a South African start-up connecting small businesses to booming retail markets nearby, says the pop-up market arena is still in great demand for SMEs looking to connect with their customer base. Small Business Conversations

Warren Hickenbotham, co-organiser of the Organic and Natural Products Expo, says SMEs in the industry need to focus on consumer-faced marketing to boost growth. Small Business Conversations

Erin Louw of Retail Capital explains how its generative artificial intelligence offering ChatSME can help take care of the basics when it comes to running a business, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on the important part – innovation. Small Business Conversations

But Green Scooter CEO Fezile Dhlamini says there's still a long way to go before EVs are in every home because of South Africa's inadequate infrastructure. Small Business Conversations

Crowdfunding platform The People’s Fund looks to raise R200m to plug the capital funding gap for entrepreneurs doing business with government and corporations, one purchase order at a time. Small Business Conversations

Palesa Mabasa of FNB's SME Funding division explains how downsizing your business can be a helpful tool, not only for preventing liquidations in times of trouble but for managing growth when your business is growing too quickly. Small Business Conversations

Heavy Chef’s Louis Janse van Rensburg shares findings from the latest Entrepreneur Networks Report, which suggests that strong entrepreneur networks can be as vital as access to funding and resources. Small Business Conversations

Taelo Mojapelo, the boss of bp Southern Africa, and Mxolisi Matshamba the CEO of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) speak about their partnership to fund black-owned businesses wanting to enter the multi-billion-rand fuel retail industry. Small Business Conversations

Bernard Jansen of Firejuice shares tips on developing a strong, cost-effective marketing strategy for SMEs. Small Business Conversations