Latest newsThe 2024 SME Toolkit Business Plan competition is now open for entries with over R200,000 worth in prizes up for grabs 26 Jul 2024 Read more The value of human capital in any business should never be underestimated. In a small business, this statement is even more true. Small business working environments are typically more fast-paced, more demanding and often more emotionally and mentally taxing than their larger counterparts. But, if business owners can get a handle on these challenges and build a resilient team, the results can be remarkable. 16 Jul 2024 Read more The African continent is widely regarded as the next frontier in terms of small business development. With small and medium enterprises (SMEs) currently accounting for up to 90% of businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, entrepreneurs play a vital role in social upliftment, economic empowerment and global competitiveness. Within the SME ecosystems of countries such as Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius lie invaluable lessons for South African young entrepreneurs on how to harness the potential of human ingenuity, resilience and technological innovation. 15 Jul 2024 Read more Whether anyone can become an entrepreneur has been a subject of debate for decades, but what we can all agree on is that entrepreneurs are not all the same. Different people have different takes on and approaches to how business should be done. What we can also agree on is that as a developing society, South Africa needs them all. The diversity of entrepreneurial paths offers a range of inspiring models for aspiring business owners to follow. 15 Jul 2024 Read more In the challenging world of owner-managed businesses, it is understandable that only a minority are operated by young entrepreneurs, but youth have certain advantages that can boost their participation in South Africa’s most exciting business community. This is the opinion of Lawrance Ramotala, area manager for Business Partners Limited’s mid-Johannesburg region. 21 Jun 2024 Read more From the outset, it’s crucial to understand that there truly is no winning formula for the ‘perfect entrepreneur’. Many entrepreneurs can build business success and penetrate a market due to personal insights, situations, upbringing, experiences as well as strategic and creative thinking. 21 Jun 2024 Read more Anxiety levels around what the outcome of the 2024 South African elections would mean for small businesses, were relatively low in the lead up to 29 May. Like many of the country’s everyday citizens, many SME owners became caught up in the frenzy of the first quarter of the year as political contenders ramped up their campaign efforts. However, despite the uncertainty of the times, small business confidence has maintained its steady upward trajectory as SMEs press on towards positive post-election horizons. 11 Jun 2024 Read more Small businesses have been put through the wringer in recent years. Sluggish GDP growth, fiscal constraints and rising costs coupled with load shedding have placed many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under immense strain. Still, in the true spirit of resilience – a trait with which the SME community has become synonymous – many businesses have found inventive ways to weather the storm. Survival strategies vary, but the solution to sustaining a business in times of economic volatility lies in maximising efficiency. 3 Jun 2024 Read more ‘Blind optimists.’ That’s what entrepreneurs have been referred to throughout history – and for good reason. Entrepreneurs have the unique ability to envision a future that doesn’t yet exist and to take steps to make that vision a reality, even though they may be unsure whether those steps are being taken in the right direction. 31 May 2024 Read more The 2024 elections are set to be one of the most monumental and contested in South African history. Several shifts in the electoral arena; including the introduction of independent candidates to the voting roll, the unprecedented large number of political parties contesting the elections as well as the uncertain majority of the ruling party, have added to the national air of uncertainty. 25 Apr 2024 Read more As Freedom Day approaches, it is worth considering just how astounding the story is of Nyangani Tshabalala, says David Morobe, executive general manager: Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited. In any setting, the tale of the young entrepreneur whose initiative has helped thousands of students overcome their education deficit to gain access to higher education would be amazing. But in the South African context, his story is miraculous on so many levels, says Morobe. 24 Apr 2024 Read more Human rights may well be the last thing on a stressed and busy entrepreneur’s mind, but there are surprising advantages in thinking about a business’ role in the free world’s governing doctrine. This is the opinion of Kgomotso Ramoenyane, executive general manager for Human Resources at Business Partners Limited. 25 Mar 2024 Read more Despite the quantum leaps being made towards gender parity in the world of business, women entrepreneurs are still outnumbered by their male counterparts. To really make a difference in building a more robust and inclusive SME ecosystem, this status quo needs to change. Only by addressing the unique needs of women in business, can the challenges they face be turned into opportunities. A recent showcase entitled the Women in Business Symposium, spoke to these and other key issues facing women entrepreneurs in South Africa. 14 Mar 2024 Read more There are many different paths that entrepreneurs take to realise their dreams and fund a business idea. For some, the journey is a straight-forward trajectory from getting a business loan to selling the first product or service. For others, the journey to success takes many twists and turns, and necessitates an iteration – or even a pivot, to get the formula 100% right. 12 Mar 2024 Read more Almost two years after the lifting of lockdown regulations, the local hospitality industry is still reeling from the losses incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. Slowly but surely, glimmers of hope are starting to appear on the horizon. Overall, research and SME sentiment on the future of the industry is decidedly optimistic. As such, now might be the perfect time for aspiring restaurant business owners to plant the seeds for future success. 11 Mar 2024 Read more No statement could be more apt for the digital age than: ‘change is the only constant.’ With new and exciting technology emerging by the minute, it can be difficult to keep up. But, by being selective and choosing the mediums that speak directly to your business and your audience, you can capitalise on the trends and ride the wave to business success. 5 Mar 2024 Read more 2023 put small businesses through the wringer. The cost-of-living crisis threatened the buying power of ordinary consumers, and the rising cost of borrowing due to interest rates made it more difficult for many entrepreneurs to access funding. Despite these very challenging realities, small and medium enterprises (SME) owners maintained a cautious level of optimism that things would look up with the arrival of a new year. Now, as the momentum of 2024 begins to speed up, small business owners need to review, reset and reposition themselves for a successful year. 4 Mar 2024 Read more Generative AI was undoubtedly one of the biggest buzzwords of 2023. The user-friendly generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT was launched by OpenAI in late 2022 and since then, has nothing short of revolutionised the way people interact with AI technology. The release of ChatGPT brought AI out of the world of ‘fringe technology’ and into the mainstream within record time. Like their global counterparts, South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are slowly learning how to leverage tools like ChatGPT to build more robust and efficient businesses. 1 Mar 2024 Read more Starting a business in South Africa comes with a unique set of challenges. However, as many small business owners will attest, the journey is also immensely rewarding. 8 Feb 2024 Read more South Africa’s Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has revealed that an estimated 80% of its cases originate from the employees of small businesses. This finding highlights the pressing need for local small businesses to familiarise themselves with employment law and ensure compliance in order to avoid unnecessary and potentially costly disputes. 7 Feb 2024 Read more More news...Contact Business Partners LimitedTel: 0861 763 346 Email: az.oc.srentrapssenisub@seiriuqne Website: www.businesspartners.co.za Frequently Asked Questions: www.businesspartners.co.za/info-hub |
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