Latest newsIn a country like South Africa, where approximately 2.6 million small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) are competing for the attention of the same pool of cash-strapped customers, building a memorable brand is critical for success. Without it, you risk blending into the noise and being chosen based on price alone – a race to the bottom that no business can afford. 20 May 2025 Read more There was a time when a gold watch marked the end of a successful career. You joined a company, stayed loyal for decades, and were rewarded for your time – but not necessarily your impact. However, as leadership expert Simon Sinek pointed out back in 2023, that era is long gone. 14 May 2025 Read more A business plan is never set in stone. It should reflect the realities of your operating environment, especially considering how quickly economic conditions seem to be shifting in 2025. While some economists remain optimistic, predicting growth of up to 2.1% this year, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently trimmed its 2025 forecast down to 1.7%, citing ongoing supply constraints and weak demand. 13 May 2025 Read more The National Development Plan (NDP) envisions that by 2030, 90% of South Africa’s 11 million needed jobs will be created through small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This month, government launched a new Spaza Shop Support Fund to add to the many funds available in South Africa. 22 Apr 2025 Read more Five years on from the beginning of lockdown and the world of work is not what it used to be. Apart from the rise of remote working, the pandemic years brought about a rate of technological advancement in a few years that is equivalent to the previous 50. While many in-person businesses closed, the gig economy exploded with 2.1 million workers going into freelancing in 2020 alone. 14 Apr 2025 Read more South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) entered 2025 with an encouraging sense of optimism. This is according to the latest SME confidence Index, conducted by Business Partners Limited, which reveals that over 58% of respondents felt optimistic about the economic climate in 2025. 3 Apr 2025 Read more One of the biggest hurdles for any entrepreneur is securing the right type of funding to turn their ideas into reality or to grow their business. With so many financing options available these days, it can be overwhelming to determine the best fit. The truth is that no single funding option is inherently better than another as each comes with its own benefits, trade-offs and considerations. 3 Apr 2025 Read more Entrepreneurs often believe that with the right business idea and strategy, success is inevitable. While these factors are important, sustained business growth ultimately hinges on customer centricity – putting your customers at the heart of everything you do. 20 Mar 2025 Read more Strategic partnerships have been instrumental in strengthening economic ties throughout history. It was only during the Industrial Revolution that business partnerships began to be formalised to ensure there is more structure to the partnerships and protection for partners involved. Throughout history these partnerships have been formed to bolster influence, expand trade routes and enhance profitability. 19 Mar 2025 Read more We’ve all seen big businesses attempt to jump on the latest trend or global movement, positioning themselves as ‘the brand that cares’. But when these efforts are purely performative, consumers notice – and they don’t forget. Today’s customers can quickly distinguish between genuine commitment and mere lip service, and when they sense the latter, it can permanently shift their perception of a brand. 13 Mar 2025 Read more South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs took centre stage in the 2024 SME Toolkit South Africa Business Plan Competition. Designed as a platform to equip emerging business owners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to turn their business ideas into reality, the competition – now in its 15th year – continues to make a meaningful impact on the local entrepreneurial landscape. 12 Mar 2025 Read more Forget outdated consumer demographics and marketing personas, even knowing your customers’ names and preferences is no longer enough to retain 71% of consumers who expect personalisation, according to a marketing and sales practice report by McKinsey. 11 Mar 2025 Read more Before the 2024 general elections many South African businesses were concerned about the impact of global conflict, rising inflation and the risks of ongoing power outages and potential social unrest on their businesses. Some of these risks had a tangible impact like a diminishing consumer budget for non-essentials while others, like the violent protests and looting anticipated post-elections, did not materialise. Rather, the coalition Government of National Unity (GNU) boosted business confidence and the country experienced a decline in inflation and interest rates. 11 Mar 2025 Read more Before the 2024 general elections many South African businesses were concerned about the impact of global conflict, rising inflation and the risks of ongoing power outages, and potential social unrest on their businesses. Some of these risks had a tangible impact like a diminishing consumer budget for non-essentials while others, like the violent protests and looting anticipated post-elections, did not materialise. Rather, the coalition government of national unity (GNU) boosted business confidence and the country experienced a decline in inflation and interest rates. 4 Mar 2025 Read more The latest S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) paints a picture of a rocky start to 2025 for South African businesses, as operating conditions slumped to their lowest levels in January since July 2021. As a business owner, putting on a brave face is not easy, but keeping your employees engaged and motivated during tough times is not just beneficial – it is essential for resilience and long-term success. 3 Mar 2025 Read more When it comes to growing your business from the ground up, the old adage “it’s not what you know, but who you know” rings true. But networking in 2025 isn’t just about exchanging business cards and attending events; it’s about creating meaningful relationships that drive mutual growth. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), effective networking can unlock opportunities, provide access to valuable resources, and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. 26 Feb 2025 Read more Here's how to trim your expenses without compromising on quality 25 Feb 2025 Read more In 2024, over 1,400 South African businesses entered liquidation, including The Cross Trainer, due to mounting financial pressure. Professor Waldo Krugell, an economist at North-West University, pinpointed the impact that high inflation, increasing interest rates, and the energy crisis had on consumer spending over several years as a driving factor behind the closure of many of these businesses and particularly those in retail. 30 Jan 2025 Read more As the incoming managing director of Business Partners Limited, the start of this year is particularly exciting. It’s a true new beginning. It’s also a chance to reflect on the year that was and set strategic goals for the coming 12 months. But as every entrepreneur knows, New Year’s optimism can quickly revert to the daily grind if there isn’t a deliberate practice in place to review and revise those goals. 29 Jan 2025 Read more As 2024 draws to a close, business owners have a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. December is the quieter end-of-year period for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and as such, can be the perfect time to conduct a thorough competitor analysis and identify ways to stand out in 2025. 17 Dec 2024 Read more
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