The SME’s Guide to Getting Unstuck: How to Choose Business Funding in South Africa (Without Getting Eaten Alive)
So, the bank said no. It feels like hitting a brick wall. All your plans for that new equipment, the extra stock, or that much-needed expansion—gone. But what if that “no” wasn’t a rejection, but a redirection? What if it was the best thing to happen to your business? Traditional banks are slow. They’re built […]
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 […]
Navigating Finance Trends and Core Concerns in 2025
South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not merely businesses; they are the finance engine of the nation’s economy. These agile entities stand as indispensable catalysts for growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation across the country. SMEs contribute an estimated 34% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ a substantial 60% of […]
Tired of the Runaround? Bizcash Understands the SME Funding Struggle (and Has a Better Way!)
Let’s be honest, if you’re a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in South Africa, the quest for business funding from the big banks can feel like navigating a bureaucratic maze. You’re brimming with potential, ready to grow, innovate, and contribute to our vibrant economy in South Africa, but accessing the financial fuel you need can […]
Navigating the VAT Hike: What the 15.5% Change Means for South African SMEs
Alright, let’s talk about something that’s definitely on everyone’s minds: the recent VAT increase in South Africa. We went from 15% to 15.5%, and while it might seem like a small jump, it’s got some serious implications for SMEs, consumers, and our economy as a whole. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy […]
The 0.5% VAT Increase: A Double-Edged Sword for South African SMEs
The South African government recently increased the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate by 0.5%, bringing it to 15.5%. While this move aims to bolster government revenue and fund essential services, it presents both challenges and opportunities for South African Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Impact on SMEs The VAT increase directly affects SMEs by increasing […]
Tax Time for SMEs: What You Need to Know
Tax season can be a stressful time for any business owner, especially for SMEs. Staying organised and understanding your tax obligations is crucial for smooth sailing. Key Tax Considerations for SMEs: Income Tax: This is the primary tax levied on company profits. Different tax rates apply to different types of businesses. Keeping accurate records of […]
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: How SMEs Can Leverage Finance to Thrive
The global economic landscape is constantly evolving, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are often the first to feel the impact of economic downturns. However, if you leverage finance, careful financial planning and strategic use of alternative financing options, SMEs can not only weather economic storms but also emerge stronger. Understanding the Economic Climate The […]
Mantashe Pushes for Fuel Price Reduction
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has stirred up a storm at the Africa Oil Week conference in Cape Town by proposing a drastic reduction in fuel prices. According to Mantashe, the current fuel price of around R20 per litre is artificially inflated due to two fuel taxes: the General Fuel Levy (GFL) and […]
Leveraging Growth: How a Business Loan Can Fuel Your South African SME’s Success
Every South African entrepreneur understands the thrill of building a business from the ground up. But even the most brilliant ideas can hit roadblocks on the path to success. Often, these roadblocks come in the form of limited capital. This is where business loans can become a powerful tool for growth. What is a Business […]
Beyond the Bank: Exploring Alternative Funding Options for Your SME
Alternative Funding Options: Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is an exhilarating adventure. You’re the captain of your ship, charting a course towards success. But even the most determined captain needs fuel to keep the engine running, and that fuel is often cash flow. Traditionally, securing a loan from a bank has been the […]
Top 5 Trends Facing SME Businesses in South Africa in 2023
In the dynamic landscape of South African business, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are continually faced with new challenges and opportunities. As we enter 2023, these five trends are shaping the path for SMEs in South Africa, and embracing them can be the key to growth and success. 1. Digital Transformation: In the digital age, […]
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 […]
Unlocking Growth Potential: The Benefits of Getting an Investor for Your SME Business
In today’s competitive business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face numerous challenges when scaling their operations. One effective strategy to overcome these hurdles and achieve rapid growth is to seek an investor. This article explores the benefits of securing an investor for your SME business. Access to Capital and Resources One of the primary […]
Productivity Tips for Small Business Owners
Battling with Productivity? Running a small business is not for the faint-hearted. It runs very differently to a large corporate. It has different needs and limited resources. Here are some productivity tips you can use in your SME to improve your operations and increase your productivity. 1. Prioritise your most important tasks of the day/week […]
Getting the South African Economy working again
For most businesses, the limp into the festive season has been marred by the second wave of Covid-19 infections. It is mainly brought on by complacency and consumers not taking the virus and its impacts seriously. For many SME’s the December holiday season should have helped them recoup some of the losses from 2020. Even […]
Finding various ways to fund your SME
Understanding business finance options can be confusing. There are two main parts to financing small businesses. Equity Financing or Debt Financing There are some common ways you can fund your business: Personal Investment, Angel Investors, Government Assistance, Commercial Bank Loans, Financial Bootstrapping, or Buyouts. Venture Capital and Angel Investors seem to be a romantic solution […]
Bizcash’s agility helps its customers in tough times with reduced fees
In an environment where companies are increasing prices to save their businesses and cover the shortfall that the Covid-19 pandemic had on their operations and cash flow, Bizcash was hard at work to ensure that their clients could be reducing costs. It is not very often that you find business finance companies reducing rates and […]
Don’t wait too long to seek finance for your SME
One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is waiting too long to apply for additional finance for their business or operation. Staying on top of your cash flow is an essential part of running the business successfully and critcal in growing the company. If you wait until you really need the money, you can […]
Customer Retention is critical to your business
You don’t have a business if you don’t have customers, and customers do business with people. That is why it is so critical to have customer retention strategies in place. Many small business owners are so busy trying to manage and run their company that they don’t spend time getting to know their customers and […]
