Small Business Conversations

Regulatory environment beats funding as top concern for SMEs

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.

24 Jan 2024 11PM 24 min

V&A Waterfront preps entrepreneurs for future foodie success

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.

17 Jan 2024 11PM 15 min

Making a point of backing women-owned SMEs in property

'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.

10 Jan 2024 11PM 19 min

Some 70% of SMMEs in SA still married to cash - iKhokha co-founder

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.

3 Jan 2024 11PM 23 min

From market day enthusiast to township trailblazer

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.

20 Dec 2023 11PM 22 min

Attacq and Sook help SMEs get a taste of the mall craze

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.

13 Dec 2023 11PM 18 min

Local toy manufacturer all set for festive season rush

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.

6 Dec 2023 11PM 12 min

Black Friday kicks off festive season sales boom

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.

29 Nov 2023 11PM 17 min

Nedbank Hackathon targets financial inclusion for SMEs

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.

22 Nov 2023 11PM 17 min

Business despondent over SA's prospects

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.

15 Nov 2023 11PM 23 min

SMEs: Seize your slice of the R26bn Black Friday pie

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

8 Nov 2023 11PM 14 min

Govt must be future-focused with Airbnb regulation – TBCSA CEO

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.

2 Nov 2023 12AM 18 min

Amazon is coming … here's how to get ahead

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

26 Oct 2023 12AM 15 min

Municipal dysfunction holding SMEs ransom: report

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.

19 Oct 2023 12AM 25 min

Could franchising be for you?

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.

12 Oct 2023 12PM 23 min

Global markets a better prospect for small SA firm

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.

5 Oct 2023 12AM 18 min

SA ripe for festive season pop-up market bonanza

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.

28 Sep 2023 12AM 19 min

SA's growing organic industry awaiting consumer embrace

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.

21 Sep 2023 12AM 17 min

ChatSME: Now you can let AI deal with the admin

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.

14 Sep 2023 12AM 18 min

SA startup Green Scooter changing the local EV landscape

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.

7 Sep 2023 12AM 14 min