Loan, Overdraft, or Invoice Finance? How to Choose the Right Funding for Your Business
Not All Funding is Created Equal: A Simple Guide for Your SME Choosing the right funding for your business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. When you’re focused on growth, it’s tempting to grab the first cash lifeline you see. But “funding” isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Using the wrong type of capital […]
Navigating the AI Era: How to Foster Thinking and Growth in the South African SME Workforce
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the global work landscape, and South African SMEs must proactively engage with this transformation. While much of the conversation focuses on AI “taking over jobs,” a more critical concern for forward-thinking businesses is how over-reliance on AI might inadvertently stunt logical thinking, prevent true progression, and hinder human development […]
Facing the Storm: How US Tariffs Directly Challenge South African Retailers
South African retailers, from large chains to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face a unique set of challenges from US tariffs. While these tariffs target exports, they create a financial ripple effect that impacts your business directly through rising import costs, supply chain disruptions, and a significant drop in consumer spending. You don’t have to […]
The Hidden Cost: How Corruption and Compliance Woes Impact South African Businesses
As a business owner in South Africa, you’re constantly navigating challenges – from power cuts to economic shifts. But businesses fight another, often more insidious, battle that directly impacts your bottom line and future prospects. The struggle against corruption and compliance breakdowns, particularly within vital institutions like the South African Police Service. It’s an uncomfortable […]
Revitalise Your Brand: How a Smart Rebrand Can Supercharge Your SME (And Keep Customers Loving You!)
Okay, let’s talk real business. You’ve been grinding, building your SME, and maybe things are…okay. But “okay” isn’t where we want to be, right? Sometimes, a jolt of energy is what your business needs. That’s where rebranding comes in. It’s not just a new logo, folks; it’s a strategic move to strengthen your brand and […]
South Africa’s Digital Frontier: Navigating the Satellite Internet Landscape
As the global digital landscape continues to evolve, South Africa finds itself at a critical juncture. The emergence of satellite internet providers like Starlink, operating just beyond our borders, presents both challenges and opportunities for local businesses. While current regulations may pose limitations, innovative solutions and potential legislative changes could unlock significant benefits for South […]
2024: A Year of Challenges and Turmoil for SA SME’s
The year 2024 has been a whirlwind of challenges for South African businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). A combination of political, sporting, and economic factors has created a challenging environment for many entrepreneurs. From the national elections and the FIFA World Cup to the ongoing loadshedding crisis, SMEs have had to navigate a […]
Traits that Separate Entrepreneurial Stars from also-Rans
The world of entrepreneurship is a dazzling stage, filled with ambitious go-getters chasing audacious dreams. But beneath the flashy headlines and inspirational quotes lies a stark reality: not all ventures flourish. So, what sets apart the soaring eagles from the grounded sparrows? Let’s dissect the DNA of successful entrepreneurs and uncover the traits that propel […]
New Year, New Business Opportunities for SMEs in South Africa
As the New Year dawns, it brings with it a myriad of fresh possibilities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa. Amidst challenges lie opportunities waiting to be seized, especially in burgeoning sectors that promise growth and evolution. Online Shopping and Delivery: The landscape of commerce is undergoing a significant shift towards online […]
Financial Innovation: A Key Driver for Business Growth and Prosperity
As businesses strive for growth and success, exploring new financial avenues becomes increasingly important. In this article, we’ll discuss the significance of financial innovation in the context of helping businesses thrive. The Essence of Financial Innovation: Financial innovation encompasses the creation and implementation of new financial products, services, and technologies that alter the way businesses […]
The Impact of Brain Drain on South African SME Workforce
.The brain drain phenomenon has significantly impacted the South African workforce, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country. They are often in search of better opportunities and living conditions. This exodus of talent has left a notable void in the local […]
The Vital Role of SMEs in South Africa’s Economy
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial and indispensable role in driving economic growth and development in South Africa. These enterprises, often referred to as the backbone of the economy, contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and overall prosperity. In this article, we will delve into how SMEs in South Africa are a boon […]
Harnessing AI for Effective Financial Management and Optimised Cashflow in Your Business
In today’s technologically advanced world, businesses increasingly use artificial intelligence to streamline operations and improve efficiency. One area where AI can significantly impact is financial management and cash flow optimisation. This article explores how your business can leverage AI to manage finances and effectively ensure a healthy cash flow. Artificial intelligence-powered Financial Forecasting AI can […]
Make sure you are serious about your April Fools jokes
In today’s world, April Fools’ Day has become a cultural phenomenon, with many companies and brands using the day to showcase their sense of humor through playful and light-hearted pranks. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and what was meant to be a harmless joke can quickly become a PR nightmare. One such incident […]
Creating a successful business benefits everyone
You may start and want a successful business to create an income as an SME and entrepreneur. What you land up doing is providing opportunities and cash flow for a broader spectrum of people. They all benefit from your business. If you choose to grow your business to include employees, it expands that benefit to […]
Prepare your business for scale
Of course, every business owner wants to grow and scale their business. The aim of starting a business is to make money. When you grow, the idea is that your profits will increase. Well, that is not always the case. There are crucial elements to understand if you want to scale your business. The decisions […]
Get what it takes to be an Entrepreneur
Not everyone is built to be an entrepreneur. Most people are thrilled to be an employee. To know they have the security of a 9-5 job, a pension plan, and paid leave days. But the guarantee of employment or salary nowadays is not as secure as in the past. For some folks, the dream of […]
Supporting locals is the way to grow the South African economy
If the covid pandemic taught us one thing, it was that supporting locals is the way of the future. As a nation, we must try to limit reliance on other countries to supply goods to SA. Reverting to foreign suppliers and labour is not an option. The innovation and entrepreneurship that we all got to […]
South African companies now affected by the consumer budget crunch
The war in Ukraine was set to put pressure on the world’s economy with increased fuel prices. As they rise, so the cost of transport and goods follow suit. What we now see, is business and consumers getting into more debt, just to get through the month. The rise in fuel affects every aspect of […]
When saying no to a client can improve your business
How can saying no be good for business, you may ask? Well, several relationships can be toxic to your business, and cutting ties can benefit you in the long run. There are some things you can do before saying no, but you may get to a point where that is the only option. You have […]
The Russia-Ukraine war has more significant implications for South Africans than we think
After the last two years of pandemic trading, South Africa needs to have a booster in 2022. South Africa does not need to get wrapped up in a war and business sanctions right now. Unfortunately, being part of the global business community, South Africa has over R77 billion wrapped up in Russian business investments, according […]
How the lack of power influences your business – Doing Business in the Dark
This week, we see that Eskom, the government provider of our power, is looking to increase tariffs again. As much as everyone is throwing their hands up in despair, we need to ascertain how this affects all business. Opting for alternative options to continue to operate during the downtimes that Eskom cannot provide them with […]
Supporting staff by identifying strengths and weaknesses
It would be great if everyone on your staff team was multi-skilled and a unicorn in today’s terms. Unfortunately, it is not a reality. For many companies, trying to find the right fit in a role can take months of interviews and psychometric tests to get it right. Even then, it is not a guaranteed […]
Five new business resolutions for your small business
The new year is the opportunity for everyone to start the year with a clean slate. Your business is no different. It is the time of year to relook at your business from a different perspective and decide what can stay, what needs to go, and what you can improve on. Let’s look at some […]
How a fuel hike impacts your small or medium business
In April, South Africa absorbed a massive fuel hike, off the back of an economic slump and Covid-19 year filled with businesses closing and many consumers without work. Unfortunately, when the fuel price increases, so do every other cost on your balance sheet. Anything that requires transportation, delivery, or movement impacts your bottom line from […]
The damage misinformation can do to your business
Most large corporates can afford a PR department that can turn back misinformation claims or bad press. For smaller businesses, it can sink you. With social media as the new complaints portal, it is essential to have your eyes firmly on the social channels. The trick is to respond as quickly as possible to any […]
What happens when your industry runs into critical shortages
The world is on the edge of a global crisis regarding parts and spares shortages in essential industries. The global chip shortage is affecting everything from car manufacturers, electronics, and even logistics. The problem is more critical than most people are letting on. Shutdowns in 2019 and 2020 set production back months, but specific industries […]
Get to know what the five c’s of credit are
Lending money for your business can be stressful. Companies that lend money to businesses have checklists to consider, so ensure you comply with them for a positive result. When you provide a lender with additional but relevant information, you help them make a decision faster. When they have to keep asking for references or documents, […]
How your SME can help reduce Corporate Carbon Emissions
It is not how much you do that matters; instead, you contribute to reducing our collective carbon footprint every day. Many families have various initiatives at home that can assist in reversing the pollution of the planet, but it is the corporate companies that contribute the most. Here are some ways your business can help […]
6 Strategies to spring clean your small business
6 Strategies to spring clean your small business We all tend to get a bit busy spring cleaning our homes when the blossoms start to bloom. As a small business owner, it helps to do the same at the office. Here are six strategies you can implement to get yourself ready for the summer business […]
