How do I as entrepreneur grow my business beyond start up?
During start up, a company tends to be very sales driven – operations are fast paced, highly flexible and often chaotic as people experiment with new ideas, stay close to customers, and do whatever it takes to grab opportunities to increase sales. At this stage the entrepreneur is doing everything: Design the product, call on […]
The impact of global economic trends on entrepreneurial activity in SA
As South Africa’s economy is susceptible to global trends, it is imperative that entrepreneurs are cognisant of both local and international economic trends, as they are undeniably going to play a role in the success of their company. This is according to economist Ulrich Joubert, speaking at the recent series of Sanlam / Business Partners […]
What is franchising?
It is a business arrangement between a franchisor (the owner or holder of a business concept, brand or an arrangement) and the franchisee (who acquires the rights to operate in accordance with a franchise agreement.) The franchisor allows the franchisee the right to use its trade name, business methods and know-how. In return, the franchisee, […]
World entrepreneurship day a rallying call to aspiring SA entrepreneurs
Aspiring South African entrepreneurs need to take note of the successes being celebrated by their global counterparts on World Entrepreneurship Day (WED), 15 April 2012, as well as use the day as motivation to get better at spotting and taking advantage of ‘entrepreneurial gaps’ in specific industries, in order to create sustainable businesses. This was […]
Proper cash flow management
A vital life saver to SMEs this time of year Entrepreneurial airline, Velvet Sky’s recent cash flow issues, resulting in supplier BP calling for the company to be liquidated, are a stark reminder for South African entrepreneurs of the potential damage that an ineffective cash flow system can cause to their businesses. The airline, which […]
World Entrepreneurship Day a rallying call to aspiring SA entrepreneurs
Aspiring South African entrepreneurs need to take note of the successes being celebrated by their global counterparts on World Entrepreneurship Day (WED), 15 April 2012, as well as use the day as motivation to get better at spotting and taking advantage of ‘entrepreneurial gaps’ in specific industries, in order to create sustainable businesses. This was […]
More female entrepreneurs needed in SA
South African women make up approximately half of the country’s work force and therefore play a crucial role in the development of the economy. However, the low level and quality of female entrepreneurship in South Africa is hampering entrepreneurial growth and activity, as well as the country’s economic development. According to Nimo Naidoo, project manager […]
Tax relief welcome but still not enough incentive for SA small businesses
Although Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has given further tax relief to small businesses and micro-enterprises in his 2012/13 Budget, there still remains very little incentive for small businesses to start up and flourish in South Africa. Professor Matthew Lester, speaking at the launch of the 2012 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® […]
SA’s global entrepreneurial ranking needs to improve to ignite economic growth
Stimulating entrepreneurship is the key to igniting economic growth and job creation in South Africa. However, when compared to other global economies, the country’s entrepreneurial ranking is slipping and is significantly lower than what would be expected from an economy like South Africa’s. This is according to Nimo Naidoo, Project Manager of the Sanlam / […]
A stylish route to entrepreneurship
Lewis Thomas, Partners Hair Design, 2010 and 2011 Finalist For Lewis Thomas, entrepreneurship is a trait he was born with. One of his first memories of wanting to run a business was at the tender age of 12, when he saw an opportunity to earn money by opening and closing a farm gate in Bath, […]