The female perspective on entrepreneurship in South Africa
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 […]
More cash flow questions answered
Why are many businesses’ cash flow issues aggravated as a result of tax contributions? If you are liable to make your second provisional tax payment at year end then it means that you made a taxable profit and should also have the cash available to pay the income tax on that profit, but often businesses […]
Passionate mom turned passionate entrepreneur
This month we are chatting to entrepreneur Jackie Lowe, who is one of the 2012 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® entrants. Jackie and fellow female entrepreneurs have created a niche and innovative product that both children and parents can equally enjoy. Briefly describe your business and the industry you participate in? Founded […]
Q&A with Mmabatho Mokiti
Youth Month is celebrated annually throughout the month of June. Not only does this month coincide with the historically significant Youth Day, but represents the government’s commitment to confronting youth unemployment in South Africa. In order to counteract the increasing levels of youth unemployment, it is crucial to communicate and promote entrepreneurship as an attractive […]
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 […]
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 […]
When opportunity knocks, answer it
Winner of the 2011 Medium Entrepreneur of the Year® award Being results-driven, setting achievable goals and loving what you do is, according to Troy Carelse, CEO of Foaming Concepts, the secret to running a successful business. Foaming Concepts is a manufacturing company that converts a product called flexible polyurethane, which is used as a raw […]
Family bonds bind businesses
Family businesses weather recession Family owned businesses are made of strong stuff according to a new survey. The PwC Family Business Survey 2010/11 found that the vast majority of these businesses survived the recession because of their ownership structure. The global survey interviewed businesses on a number of operational and financial elements and the results […]
Contain the clash
How to close deals and deal with conflict In any business, partnership or joint venture, there will be conflict. Mostly, SME decision makers will enter the fray thinking of the outcome in terms of winners and losers. Similarly, when these decision makers enter into negotiations with a potential partner, client or supplier, the battle lines […]