Nov 092012
 
EOY finalist discusses how seasonality affects her business

Seasonal entrepreneurs rely on the cyclical nature of their business and are therefore required to be considerably future orientated when making managerial decisions. This can be very challenging and requires careful planning and an in depth understanding of one’s business environment.

Anthea Ambursley, General Manager of Anansi Business Enterprises T/A Anansi Heights guest house, is a seasonal entrepreneur and was also a finalist in the 2012 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. As an entrepreneur operating in the local tourism and hospitality sector she is greatly affected by the cyclical nature of her industry, and indicates that 80% of her turnover is generated during seasonal peaks. “It is therefore imperative that we actively take seasonality into account when managing the business.”

She says that the seasonal nature of the hospitality industry has a strong influence in the strategic management of her business… more

Aug 032012
 

Female entrepreneurial activity has been proven to be a major catalyst in triggering economic growth in developing countries, such as South Africa. The increased number and quality of female finalists in the 2012 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition is thus an encouraging sign.

In light of August being Women’s Month, we chatted to seven female finalists from this year’s competition about their thoughts on entrepreneurship:

Tabisa Nomnganga, owner of Bravo Promotions, on her advice to fellow female entrepreneurs operating in South Africa:

“Female entrepreneurs need to believe in the beauty of their dreams. As female entrepreneurs we have an extra challenge of having to prove that gender has nothing to do with running a successful business. It’s all about hard work and dedication.”

Suretha Barnard, owner of the Junior academy, on whether she faces any unique challenges being a female entrepreneur:

“I do not really face any unique challenges… more