Now is the time to adopt the principle of lean

As 2024 is closing in on us, now is the perfect time to ‘sharpen the pencil’. If your business is not doing what it should be doing and is spiralling out of control with debt, expenses, poor sales, it is now time to adopt...

Get your business sold: 6 steps to take

Have you decided to sell your business? There are many reasons why someone may sell their business. It could be their choice or not but when you choose to sell your business, it is important to prepare for it and this does take some time.

6 top seasonal marketing campaigns

New Year’s Day, Easter, Heritage Day, Women’s Day and Christmas are some occasions celebrated in South Africa but how can they be used in marketing to increase sales for small businesses? Let’s look at what is seasonal...

How one small business launched products twice as fast because of the Cloud

Ambitious small and medium businesses (SMBs) know the importance of modernizing their systems—it can help them better serve customers, understand trends, and enhance security to name just a few benefits.

12 things to think about when choosing a card machine for your business

When it comes to choosing a card machine for your business, you might think that it’s as simple as purchasing the first one you see. A card machine is a card machine, right? You just need a quick way to accept card payments from your customers.

Data protection weak spots businesses must address

Many South African businesses – particularly SMEs – are failing to properly protect sensitive data, putting them at risk of data theft, leaks and penalties. This is according to Ian Nel, Strategic Planning and Programs Director, Canon...

It’s “Pawsible” focused on enhancing the lives of pets

Centurion’s Heather Whitfield, a dedicated veterinary physiotherapist, is capturing audiences on the People’s Weather channel with her new show, “It’s Pawsible,” focused on enhancing the lives of pets.

7 money-saving tips for your SME

Being frugal with your money in business can help you to build a foundation where your company flourishes. By saving money, you will be able to weather any storm which comes your way, and you will be able to upgrade...

The three most common challenges facing South Africa’s entrepreneurs

Along with the vast amount of opportunity, the South African business climate also presents entrepreneurs with a great deal of challenges. This has been particularly true within the context of the past two years,...

The how, where and what of trade mark registration for SMMEs in South Africa

In today’s competitive business landscape, protecting your brand is essential for the success and longevity of your Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME). One of the most effective ways to safeguard your brand...

Keeping your business powered up and connected to stable fibre during loadshedding

A reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury. The dependency on the web for real-time communication, data transfer, and operations is more important than ever. Slow or unstable internet connections can throw...

From soft skills to core competencies – the new essentials for future entrepreneurial success

To succeed in the future, entrepreneurs must embrace technology, social imperatives, and adaptability. With advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainability and decentralised finance, the business landscape is shifting rapidly.

How to source your best supplier

Suppliers can help to build your business or put a spanner in the works, therefore it is important to source the best supplier. In this article, we will look at how to find a supplier who you can have a long-term business relationship with.

Mobile commerce: the next frontier for local small businesses

Online sales in South Africa have been on a gradual increase since the onset of the pandemic, bringing the industry to over R30bn by the end of 2020. And, with mobile penetration in the country reaching unprecedented...

Keeping finance simple for SA’s small businesses: new asset- and short-term finance solutions to cater to the need for growth-stage funding

Turning a small business into an empire in a high-risk environment with a high failure rate, is no small feat. In South Africa, access to funding can bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap between what it takes to get...

The power of integration

In the dynamic landscape of payment management, ALLPS-i stands as a beacon of innovation. It’s a web-based front-end collection and payment management solution designed to simplify debit orders and payments.

Mind matters: leadership secrets for high-performance teams

Navigating any small business brings its share of challenges, from financial hurdles to competitive pressures and even just the infinite daily grind. Amidst all of this, it’s easy to overlook subtle yet critical factors – like mental health.

Learn-i-Biz: helping business people understand their responsibilities

Learn-i-Biz, the CIPC e-learning platform launched in 2022, has been receiving positive feedback from an increasing number of those enrolled in the programme since it was launched.

The 2023 top small businesses announced

2023 has been a year of rebuilding and resilience and this is reflected in the winners of the South African Small Business Awards.

The three most common challenges facing South Africa’s entrepreneurs

Along with the vast amount of opportunity, the South African business climate also presents entrepreneurs with a great deal of challenges. This has been particularly true within the context of the past two years...

Creating an environment where women and youth entrepreneurs can thrive

The past few years have been difficult ones for South Africans. We have faced the COVID pandemic, intensified load shedding, civil unrest and natural disasters to name a few. Not only have these challenges interrupted our daily lives...

How accurate is your data? An SMB guide to data accuracy.

Data. It is estimated that there are 2.9 million emails sent per second, Google process 24 petabytes of data a day, and 20 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube every minute. There is a lot of data out there.

6 apps every entrepreneur should use to improve their productivity

As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats in one day. Before you can scale your business and hire more employees, you’re responsible for marketing, finance, delivering your product or service, and the other 101 things your business needs.

5 B2B marketing hacks for SMEs

Marketing to a business can be different from marketing to a consumer. For one, when dealing with a business, they will give a lot of thought to the consideration and final decision stages.

Navigating entrepreneurship: the crucial role of mental resilience

For entrepreneurs with a natural drive to work autonomously, build a dream and make a meaningful contribution towards the economic development of their communities and country, nothing is more rewarding than launching...

Witness the crowning of champions, be inspired and network with mega-entrepreneurs

Join the NSBC for this glitzy affair with great food, amazing entertainment and the opportunity to mingle with captains of industry, leading entrepreneurs and the media at the 2023 NSBC Gala Breakfast and SA Small Business Awards.

How to start a manufacturing business

Manufacturing is important for a country’s economy. By turning raw materials into goods which can have a higher sale value, you increase the amount of money which comes into a country.

Startup owners should seek business advice online

The COVID-19 lockdown has forced many of us to take things online, whether it was to do online banking for the first time or to do online events via Zoom (and other platforms). However, many still feel that...

5 video game marketing strategies for SMBs

As virtual and physical worlds start to merge, it is becoming more important for companies to look into ways to market in this hybrid universe. With 24 million gamers in South Africa, having n advert or banner...

Are you looking for parcel delivery security through technology?

In recent years, South Africans have wholeheartedly embraced the convenience and accessibility of online shopping and mobile commerce, with an astounding R50 billion spent in 2022. This surge in digital retail activity...

Three steps for small businesses to bolster cybersecurity

It has been widely reported that South Africa is poised to overtake Nigeria as the continent’s capital for cybercrime. According to the latest research conducted by Interpol, South Africa has seen a staggering 100% ...

Sage gears up for monthly tax certificates: a modernised approach to tax collections

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently published their requirements for monthly tax certificate reporting, in support of the SARS personal income tax (PIT) modernisation project. The modernisation project...

Ready to take your SME to new heights?

R 10 million in dedicated Business Funding, tailor-made to fuel the growth and innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises like yours. We understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to boost your dreams with the resources you need.

Join us for the Entrepreneurial Event of the Year!

Witness champions in the making at a glitzy affair with great food, amazing entertainment and the opportunity to mingle with captains of industry, leading entrepreneurs and the media.

8 business lessons from the Springboks

As the Springboks come off the back some epic wins during the Rugby World Cup in France, they are an example of how good leadership can benefit business. Here are eight lessons from our Green and Gold

The basics of hyper-local marketing

Have you ever done a “near me” search to look for a good local restaurant or grocery store? These types of searches form part of hyper-local marketing. Let’s look at what it is and how your business can take advantage of it.

Understand the numbers for SME owners

Do numbers make you feel uneasy? When an investor asks you what are your numbers, do you know what to say? By knowing the numbers of your business, you can navigate the sea of business well and steer...

Customers will only stay if you remain relevant

It’s no longer enough to just print and sell a product. In the competitive, modern print landscape, print service providers (PSPs) need to be more consultative, thinking about how they can provide more creative...

The importance of the trade mark protection

Trade marks play a crucial role in the economic landscape, and its significance for businesses operating in and from South Africa cannot be overstated.

It’s vital for small and medium enterprise owners to put their mental well-being first when times get tough

For many small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, running a business isn’t just a job but an integral part of who they are. The boundaries between personal and business life often blur, meaning that...

Get your ticket NOW for the 2023 South African Small Business Awards Gala Breakfast

Join us for the entrepreneurial event of the year and witness the crowning of new champions! It’s a glitzy morning filled with awards, top of the line speakers, fine entertainment, great food, plenty of fun and...

The importance of the right funding and support to grow your business

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), securing capital is a crucial step towards growth and success. However, navigating the world of funding can be challenging, with a wide selection of sources to consider...

SA not paperless yet, but moving towards more sustainable printing practices

South African businesses may not be ready to go paperless yet, however, they can move to use paper less and make their printing environment far more environmentally friendly, says Jaco Möller, Business Development Manager...

Seamless integration for your success

At DPD ZA, we take pride in our extensive network and adaptability to work with a wide range of industries, providing tailored delivery solutions to meet the unique needs of each sector. Let’s delve into the verticals...

95% of SMEs to retain hybrid work policies

A recent survey conducted by Expert Market has revealed that 95% of SMEs are not planning to change their current hybrid working policy. This has increased from 83% back in 2020.

Product demo 101: how to sell the product not the idea

Many product demos focus on the features rather than the benefits for their customers. It is crucial that you consider your customer’s pain points and how your product solves those in your demo.

Ensuring payroll security: 3 strategies for SA SMEs

Cashflow management is a critical aspect of running a successful small or medium-sized business. For many South African businesses, ensuring that there is always enough money for payroll and salaries can be a daunting challenge.

The new all-electric EQE SUV from Mercedes-Benz: defining it’s class with unrivalled luxury and technology

In the EQE SUV, the lithium-ion battery consists of ten modules. The innovative battery management software, which was developed in-house, allows updates over the air.

Upcoming Event: Digital On Demand Launch

Join Digital On Demand for their spectacular launch event on November 9, 2023. It's a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the transformative power of digital technology.

Who will shine at the 2023 South African Small Business Awards Gala Event? Book now to find out.

As one of the most inspiring annual events on a South African entrepreneur’s calendar is on the horizon, diarise 16 November 2023 and share in the excitement of the 2023 South African Small Business Awards Gala Event.

Dominate your niche: 5 steps for success

Do you have a commanding influence on your market? Then you are dominating your niche. Do people refer to your ideas or are you featured in the latest articles when talking about your niche? Then you are dominating your niche.

Navigating payment stream compliance: a comprehensive guide to ensuring compliance within South Africa’s national payment system

Welcome to the world of payment stream compliance within South Africa’s National Payment System. In this article, we will embark on a journey through the landscape of mandate requirements for various payment streams

Efficiency: mastering parcel packaging for operational excellence

In our commitment to ensuring every parcel travels through our network with the utmost care, we place great emphasis on the critical role of proper packaging. Packaging isn’t just about protecting your goods; it’s also...

How to create a cheat sheet for your business

Cheat sheets are great to use when onboarding new staff members or highlighting core values and processes which your business uses. By designing an effective cheat sheet you give your staff a way to solve their...

How to identify a cyber threat in your SME

Cybercrime is on the rise as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and the internet continue to develop. With more businesses moving their data to the Cloud, having a robust cybercrime strategy in place is critical.

10 ways to ensure financial growth in business

Unless you are one of the few people who were lucky enough to receive a large inheritance, won the lottery, or married into money, you will need to create your own wealth. This is not the easiest of goals given the...

Small South African businesses display resilience: key findings from Mastercard’s latest SME Confidence Index

From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are projecting similar or increased revenues in 2023. These are the findings of the second edition...

Cash, and why it is being replaced

In a world where technology continues to advance and shape the way we conduct transactions, the role of cash, as the backbone of the economy, is undergoing a significant transformation. The global shift towards...

3 of the most common hiring mistakes in a small business (and how to avoid them)

Small business owners must understand how to go about hiring the right people, in order to build teams that can get the job done, in the correct way and within the right time frame. Although every startup has different...

Building for scale in SMEs

Many SME owners look at successful corporates and aim to be there. They often see success as being instant but when you look into the history of many successful businesses, you will see a period of building towards...

How to empower your small business with free online tools

Running a small business presents numerous challenges, but with the right tools and a dependable internet connection, you can position yourself for remarkable success.

How to develop executive presence

Executive presence. What is it? Is it something only for the chief officer of companies, leaders or people who have been in business for a while? The short answer is no. Executive presence is a skill that people...

Business Boost :: Key reminders of what accelerates you on the road to greatness

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) look at 30 secrets to fill the well of success.

Business Boost :: Key reminders of what accelerates you on the road to greatness

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) look at 30 secrets to fill the well of success.

Business Boost :: The ability, courage and desire to keep moving when others quit

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss how to keep moving forward positively when facing adversity and the difference between quitting and changing direction.

Discover the ultimate tool to manage your fleet

MyToyota Fleet portal is an ownership benefit tool for all business owners to manage your Toyota and Lexus Connect fleet vehicles. Irrespective of the fleet size, you will now be able to manage your fleet vehicles and enjoy the following benefits.

Unlock your future with Business Funding.

When we share a vision, it creates a solid foundation for a successful partnership and ProfitShare. That's why we offer a wide range of Business Funding solutions to help you unlock business opportunities...

The 2023 South African Small Business Awards to recognise entrepreneurial excellence

This year, the NSBC will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the South African Small Business Awards. The prestigious South African Small Business Awards recognises the tireless journey, hard work and outstanding...

The power of pitching your business and how to get it right

There are a range of skills that are required and critical to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Some of these include negotiation skills, good communication, time management, an appetite for ongoing learning...

4 key ways to use AI for lead generation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay and if you want to become competitive in your industry you will need to learn how to use it to your advantage. For business, AI can take a lot of the schlep out of lead generation...

Amplifin launches heavyweight solution for small to medium businesses

In the dynamic business landscape, growing enterprises encounter an escalating array of challenges that demand innovative solutions. Amplifin recognises that as businesses expand, their concerns multiply...

How to become a unicorn in business

In fairy tales, unicorns are believed to be rare mythical creatures and this idea was taken by the business world to mean a privately owned start-up with a valuation that exceeds $1 billion.

How to check your ads with Adbot

Online advertising is the secret sauce of every small business owner’s marketing strategy. But for those who have ventured into the world of , the inner workings of this powerful platform can sometimes feel just as mysterious.

Introducing ChatSME, South Africa’s first large language model for business owners

Retail Capital, a division of TymeBank, proudly announces the launch of ChatSME, a groundbreaking Large Language Model (LLM) designed to empower and revolutionize how South African entrepreneurs...

Discover the ultimate tool to manage your fleet

MyToyota Fleet portal is an ownership benefit tool for all business owners to manage their Toyota and Lexus Connect fleet vehicles. Irrespective of the size of your fleet, you will now be able to manage your fleet...

Spring strategies for small businesses: how to make your business bloom

Spring is officially on our doorstep, and for many small businesses, the beginning of spring marks the onset of the busy season. It’s been a tough winter for small business across a range of sectors, specifically retail...

Unmanaged consumer debt is affecting every corner of South Africa

As inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, a growing number of households in South Africa are struggling to meet their financial obligations. In many instances, despite various avenues available to the consumer...

Drivers behaving badly – and how to combat it with fleet solutions

As a fleet operator, you know that one of the biggest challenges in managing a fleet is dealing with drivers behaving badly. From reckless driving to speeding, aggressive behaviour, and distracted driving, these actions...

Developing the resilience “muscle”

Much is written about South Africans’ high level of resilience, our never-say-die attitude or as they say in Afrikaans – ‘n boer maak ‘n plan. Research has shown that we have a higher level of resilience than...

3 ways small businesses can compete for the best skills in a competitive labour market

Like several of its global counterparts, South Africa is experiencing a critical skills shortage, particularly in finance, health and IT sectors. The current skills deficit can be attributed to a number of factors...

The 2023 South African Small Business Awards: 4 ways to make your entry shine

Celebrating the vital role and remarkable accomplishments of small businesses in South Africa, we are thrilled to announce that entries for the 2023 South African Small Business Awards are now officially open.

Spring day celebrates the arrival of Small Business Friday

The 12th #AbsaSmallBizFriday has arrived. This Friday, 01 September is South Africa’s biggest small business day of the year. This powerful and meaningful movement is about mobilising all South Africans to support...

Developing the resilience “muscle”

Much is written about South African’s high level of resilience, our never-say-die attitude or as they say in Afrikaans – ‘n boer maak ‘n plan. Research has shown that we have a higher level of resilience than many...

Here’s how to effectively build your online presence as a small business

The rate of digital adoption in South Africa has rapidly accelerated in recent years. Today, over 72% of the population uses the internet, which equates to an estimated 43.48 million internet users.

Celebrate yourself and your business this women’s month

August marks Women’s Month in South Africa – a month dedicated to celebrating, remembering, and acknowledging the massive strides women have made for themselves. This is even though women still face many...

4 guidelines for managing the mobile paradox

It seems as if with every passing day, the technology surrounding us evolves exponentially. And that’s because it is. From Apple’s Vision Pro to Quantum Computers, there is no shortage of technological capability.

DPD and NSBC join hands to empower South Africa’s small businesses

In a bid to address the pressing challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa, DPD ZA, one of the country’s leading couriers, has forged an exciting partnership with the NSBC.

Understanding the regulatory framework of the National Payment System in South Africa

The National Payment System (NPS) is the backbone of the South African economy, allowing for the smooth circulation of money within the country. However, for this system to remain sustainable, secure, and efficient...

#WomensMonth: Devi Sankaree Govender – Women have to take their own place in the sun

From growing up in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to taking on people twice her size – literally – on her television show Devi, every week, investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender has a reputation for being fearless.

Fire up your entrepreneurial engine and join us at The Business Show

If you’re an entrepreneur or SME owner looking to grow, learn, network, be inspired, and drive your business to innovative ideas and to unimaginable heights, we’ve got you. The NSBC and World Famous Events’ 15th...

4 ways to boost local South African small businesses

Local is lekker. Many local South African brands produce high-quality products and services for your enjoyment but how can you support your favourite local brand and why should you?

Customers are people too

In recent years, brands have increasingly targeted consumers through digital alone, because of the channel’s quick delivery and measurability. But, as Mark de Bruijn, a recognised author and speaker on customer...

Stress and the physical effects on your body

It is common knowledge that an overload of stress is not healthy and can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical state. The clinical team at Bonitas Medical Fund discuss how too much stress interferes...

Women entrepreneurs in South Africa: growth, funding, challenges and solutions

South Africa has emerged a clear leader on the continent, as an enabler of women’s entrepreneurship. However, as President Ramaphosa pointed out last year, despite efforts from multiple segments of society...

How Google Ads impact customer decision-making

Since the emergence of online advertising, such as Google Ads, the medium has undergone a remarkable transformation. But one thing remains — understanding the psychology behind customer behaviour is...

Business Boost :: The most successful people in the world aren’t busy

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss a key insight on how to accelerate success and about some exciting events coming up in the first week of Spring. #TheBizShow Africa www.thebizshow.africa

HOT 102.7 FM's Brown Sugar interviews Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) about #TheBizShowAfrica

It's almost time for The Business Show :: Africa 2023 - Africa's most successful show. Join us on 06 & 07 September at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Get your free ticket at www.thebizshow.africa. *Only pre-registration is free.

Why SMEs are unsuccessful in tenders

In the highly competitive world of winning contracts and securing business growth, crafting compelling and customer-centric proposals is absolutely crucial. To win over a potential client...

Small Business Awards Entries Now Open

Looking for recognition and exposure for your business? Enter today!

EVENT: Vodacom SME Thrive Summit aims to make positive impact

Vodacom’s first ever #SME Thrive Summit is a free event hosted at Vodacom World in Midrand on 18 August to help empower small businesses with resources, knowledge, and networking.

Celebrating Small Business this Spring Day

01 September is #AbsaSmallBizFriday. In this Q&A we will explore the impact of small businesses, be inspired and learn from like-minded business professionals and be part of the national movement mobilising South Africa to support small businesses.

The secret life of successful businesses and entrepreneurs

On Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th of September this year, Sandton Convention Centre is the place to be for every business owner and aspiring entrepreneur who want to learn the open secret about why South Africa is home...

Three South African businesswomen who are making their mark in SA today

Women make great entrepreneurs for a number of reasons. Industries like insurance view women as having relatively lower risk exposures than their male counterparts – a factor that allows them to generally make more...

How to select the ideal e-commerce business model

According to Statista Digital Market Outlook, the e-commerce market is set to grow over the next few years. The growth rate for the next four years (2021 – 2025) is predicted to be 16%.

Every plan a small business needs

Many people wing it when they start a business and then wonder why they are not growing or why they are sinking. One of the reasons is that running a small business takes hard work some planning, and a little bit of magic.

Company culture as a cornerstone of long-term success and the metrics that really matter

A growing body of global research has linked a healthy company culture to key performance metrics such as profitability, productivity and talent retention. The COVID-19 pandemic brought issues related to employee...

Business Boost :: Why being brutal on the money is the key to financial success

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss a key factor to achieving financial success - being brutal on the money. They also look at the importance of building the habit of saving.

Networking, quality exhibits: Join the best of SA entrepreneurs, business owners

SMEs across South Africa represent more than 98% of businesses; employ some 50-60% of the country’s workforce across all sectors; and provide a quarter of job growth in the private sector.

How to build for hyper growth in your SME

Most businesses dream of experiencing hyper growth and becoming leaders in their niche. They want to be rewarded for all the blood, sweat and tears that has gone into building their business.

How to become a digital entrepreneur

According to a report by Statista, 64.4% of the global population is online and 59.4% of the world’s population are social media users. With this many people online, it is only reasonable to think that entrepreneurs...

“Small business, big opportunity” round up 2023

Each year, Sage asks thousands of small-business leaders from around the world to share their challenges, winning attitudes, and aspirational insights. We then publish what we find in the annual “Small business, big opportunity...

How to find the right partner for your small business

Transforming a business idea into a fully-fledged venture is certainly no small feat. For some entrepreneurs, undertaking this mammoth task is a job best accomplished by collaborating with a business partner.

Curate the perfect cold call script

Have you ever been a recipient of a call where the sales rep blurts out their name and place of work and then starts to bombard you with facts and benefits of their product or service?

Using Hiring AI to bridge the pay gap

The gender pay gap is a persistent problem in South Africa, with women earning on average 23% less than men. This gap is even wider for women in certain industries, such as technology and engineering

Hybrid Collections – Never underestimate your abilities

With more than 20 years of industry knowledge, Hybrid Collections is a debt collection company that is an extension of their client’s credit department.

Business Boost :: Why you need to rid yourself of the toxic elements in your life

In this interview, we talk about how the courage to venture out on your own means getting rid of the toxic elements in your life and emphasise the importance of spending your time with positive, happy people who can inspire you.

Jacaranda FM and Access Bank South Africa present Womenpreneur HerPerfectPitch 2023

Two big brands, Jacaranda FM and Access Bank South Africa join hands to elevate businesswomen in South Africa by helping her refine HerPerfectPitch and win over R1 million in business assistance this Women’s month. Enter today!

What would you pay for an entrepreneurial wizard on your team?

At The Business Show :: Africa on 06 & 07 September, attend Build a Business LIVE, a Masterclass & Seminar Series featuring, among others, South Africa’s National Entrepreneur Champion* Dumisani Mahlangu, Founder & Director of Chepa Streetwear.

The power of doing things differently

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) look at why one needs to challenge the status quo and how doing things differently is a key component of winning in life and business.

WEBINAR :: Making purpose the foundation of leadership

Liberty Corporate Leading Edge Insight Series Webinar Tuesday, 15 August 2023 - 10:00 - 11:00 REGISTER TODAY!

7 secrets of the most productive people

Like it or not, there are very few secrets left in the world. Google has already, for free, provided us with all the answers human beings know. So, why then are some people a lot more productive, and dare I say...

Drowning in unpaid invoices? Let’s get you paid

One of the biggest downfalls for many small businesses is failed cash flow and one of the biggest culprits for failed cash flow is unpaid invoices. But there is a solution.

How to have a successful exhibition stand

You have researched and found the perfect expo to exhibit at but now what? How do you ensure you get an excellent return on your investment with your stand? This is your chance to have your brand on display...

Borrowing money: a short guide for SMEs

Whether you are a fledgling start-up or a seasoned business, there may come a time when you need to borrow money to take your business to the next level. With the options available when it comes to borrowing...

South Africa’s manufacturing sector and the golden opportunities for SMEs

South Africa’s manufacturing sector is one of several areas of interest, identified in the National Development Plan (NDP) as an industry poised for job creation and GDP growth.

Does your creativity have value in a Generative world?

Whatever you feel about it, Generative AI is here. But what might it mean for human creatives? We’re exploring what could change – and stay the same.

Essence Hair and Beauty – Building a brighter future through education

Jean Beaumont is the owner of Essence hair and beauty salon. She has a team of five individuals who help her to take care of their customer’s hair and beauty needs. Jean started her business after working for...

From vulnerability to victory – supply chain security for SMEs

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, small businesses need to solidify every aspect of their supply chain. Over the years, you will likely have heard of many supply chain breaches due to third-party organisations.

Interested in an app to help get you funding ready?

Experian in partnership with NSBC would like to develop an SMME focused app to assist SMEs in becoming funding ready. We need your help.

How to save money and safeguard your business

National Savings Month, which takes place in July every year, is an initiative created by The Savings Institute of South Africa (SASI). This calendar event focuses on financial literacy for all and aims to challenge consumers...

Save today, succeed tomorrow: three effective saving strategies for small businesses

South Africa’s small business sector is a tough environment to break into, but those who succeed in weathering the storms of the first few years of business, have a real shot at scaling their business to new heights.

What is Makro Marketplace?

Makro Marketplace is where third-party sellers are able to list and sell new products on www.makro.co.za that are not already available in a Makro store.

Sleep: an unexpected competitive advantage

As a small business owner, you likely know the drill – late nights, early mornings, and never quite enough hours in the day. Sacrificing sleep often seems the only solution when faced with mounting tasks and looming deadlines.

Meet the new Amarok range extension

Introducing the new Amarok range: a ground-breaking fleet designed to cater to the ever-changing needs of your business. The new Amarok sets the standard with a range of vehicles perfectly engineered to tackle today’s.

Enslins Bloemfontein Group – Stick to the basics

Enslins Bloemfontein is a whole ecosystem of integrating services that feed off each other and are aligned to ensure there is no gap in the financial requirements of their clients. Marinus Hoek has created a business over time..

Revolutionising Logistics: inDrive Launches Groundbreaking ‘Name Your Price’ Freight Service in South Africa

Expanding the frontier of logistics, inDrive.Freight brings set-your-own-price model to deliver affordability, efficiency, and flexibility, catering to SMEs and private individuals.

Let your entrepreneurial dreams take flight

The NSBC and World Famous Events brings you the 15th edition of The Business Show :: Africa at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg on 06 & 07 September. Get ready to ignite your entrepreneurial dreams! If you are ready...

Delivering Success: Harness the power of inDrive.Freight's revolutionary service for small businesses

In this live Q&A session Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Alexei Tryapitsyn (Head of Freight - inDrive) and Vincent Lilane (inDrive Southern Africa) about this industry-first platform for small businesses.

Sales Indaba: An experience like none other

The Business Show :: Africa on 06 & 07 September brings you Sales Indaba 2023 taking place at Sandton Convention Centre, Joburg – It’s the rainmaker event of the year for business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators.

The top 5 service businesses to start today

Are you service-orientated? Do you want a business which requires a low investment but could give you great returns? Then a service-based business may be right up your alley. Today, we are going to look at the four...

Not on Google? That is a crime

Picture this: you have a fantastic business, offering excellent products or services. But there’s one problem — you’re practically invisible on Google. In today’s digital world, where search engines like Google have...

How to build South Africa’s entrepreneurial capacity

The important role that small businesses play in sustaining and growing the South African economy has been well-documented. Estimates show that small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) contribute as much...

Get ready for tax season: Year-end guide for small businesses

Even though the tax-year end can be a daunting time for small businesses, it’s good to know you can have access to sound advice from reputable companies like Sage to help guide you through the process year after year.

Experiential marketing 101

What is your last memory of a brand? Is it related to the object or service being sold or the experience you had when you saw the object? Experiential marketing is concerned with the immersive experience a customer...

What is Makro Marketplace?

Makro Marketplace is where third-party sellers are able to list and sell new products on www.makro.co.za that are not already available in a Makro store. The seller determines the selling price and Makro facilitates...

Yonwabeli Cleaning Services – Empowering the nation

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the Week – Yonwabeli Cleaning Services. Yonwabeli Cleaning Services was founded in 2013. They specialise in commercial cleaning, hygiene services...

Have the courage to follow your heart

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found what you love to do, keep searching – deep, long, and hard. Don’t ever accept less than you deserve. Explore your likes and dislikes.

Business ethics for a better business

Business ethics are the moral principles you adopt in how you do business. Though many unscrupulous businesses have earned big bucks in a short time, in the long run, they have suffered from the bad reputation their...

FedEx starts using electric vehicles for deliveries in South Africa

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx, announced on 13 June 2023, the deployment of its first 10 electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa, as part of the company’s continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and...

Corporate social responsibility and your small business: why does it matter?

Are you only interested in the profits you make or are you interested in the community you serve? In today’s consumer environment, your customers are worried about how society and the environment is doing and how...

Grow your business with South Africa’s largest omni-channel retailer

We’ve brought together like-minded sellers to create a marketplace with thousands of diverse products for our customers to choose from. The Makro Marketplace is where third-party sellers are able to list and sell new products on www.makro.co.za

Entrepreneurial passion disease

Much has been written about the importance of passion in our entrepreneurial journey. Entrepreneurial gurus and entrepreneurs alike will tell you that without passion, our entrepreneurial journey is less likely to succeed.

Xero announces inaugural Xero Beautiful Business Fund to boost future aspirations of small business

Coinciding with Xero Day 2023 – the day of Xero’s founding 17 years ago – Xero, the global small business platform, on 6 July 2023 a new global small business fund with more than NZ$750,000 (R8,000,000) in funding, to support the...

How to live the life you have always wished for

Without courage and self-belief, it becomes extremely difficult to succeed. You must trust yourself and have confidence in your ability to triumph. Self-belief is an act of faith. Never allow anyone or anything to dispel that belief.

South African SMEs turn to technology for growth and continuity amidst economic challenges

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa face challenging times with rand/dollar volatility, inflation, low economic growth, and load shedding putting their strength and resilience to the test. SMEs need to...

The pros and cons of digital entrepreneurship

According to Statista, internet penetration is predicted to continue on an upward trend and therefore investing in digital entrepreneurship is wise. But don’t go into digital entrepreneurship with rose-tinted glasses as there...

“Small business, big opportunity” round up 2023

Each year, Sage asks thousands of small-business leaders from around the world to share their challenges, winning attitudes, and aspirational insights. We then publish what we find in the annual “Small business, big opportunity”...

The basics of mobile commerce in SMEs

According to a Deloitte study, 70% of South Africans indicated that they shop online at least once a month and many cite convenience as the reason for shopping online. With these facts, it seems to be important for SMEs...

Grand Slam Surfacing – It takes a village to reach success

Grand Slam Surfacing believes in creating safe, fun, and quality sports surfaces. They specialise in the surfacing and resurfacing of sports courts and facilities in acrylic, sport tiles, and cushioned rubber surfaces.

Access to Finance Indaba is where funding gets real

So, join us for Access to Finance Indaba, hosted at the Business Show :: Africa - with top of the line speakers, funding experts, incredible interactive exhibits and in-depth education. Get your ticket today.

Get your ticket today! Breakfast Connect - Powered by Experian

The NSBC together with Experian invites you to Breakfast Connect! – an exclusive event that gives you access to current, innovative thought leadership and puts you in touch with like-minded individuals. Get your ticket today!

How to build for hyper growth in your SME

Most businesses dream of experiencing hyper growth and becoming leaders in their niche. They want to be rewarded for all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into building their business. But how do you build...

Leading your business in challenging times

As we experience interruptions and curveballs in our businesses, it struck me that where we find ourselves now is not very different to where we were in early 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

How exhibitions are helping to shape the future of Africa

Global Exhibitions Day (GED) is an annual event that celebrates the importance of exhibitions in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and facilitating global partnerships.

5 aspects of social selling

Social selling has become an important tool for salespeople as more and more of our lives move online. By using social media networks, salespeople work at building relationships which may later turn into customers. Let’s take a look...

Grow your business with South Africa’s largest omni-channel retailer

We’ve brought together like-minded sellers to create a marketplace with millions of additional products for our customers to choose from. The Makro Marketplace is where third-party sellers are able to list and sell new products on www.makro.co.za

Never Surrender: What does it take to achieve greatness?

Over the next few weeks, I will be publishing the key chapters from the 2023 release of ‘Never Surrender – The secret to achieving greatness’. The release of this latest publication will coincide with my opening talks on both days...

IT Zone – building business through great service

Ivan Kruger’s passion for computers and giving quality customer service led to him starting IT Zone in 2012. His company focuses on offering IT solutions to everyone. They fix and sell computers and laptops for home or office use.

We Make Money With You, Not Off You

With our ProfitShare model, there are no monthly payments to worry about. Just a simple and agreed-upon ProfitShare. Easily access cash from R 250 000 to R 5 000 000 by completing a quick online application.

VodaPay launches new Deposit and Send Money services on the super app

Two new Deposit and Send Money services have been added to the VodaPay super app. The innovation is the latest step in Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services quest to make financial inclusion a reality for all South Africans.

Social selling playbook for your SME

According to a report by welovesocial, at the start of 2023, there were approximately 25.80 million social media users in South Africa. With this number in mind, setting up a sales playbook to help your salespeople to do...

Handy tips for handling your online returns

It goes without saying that e-commerce is here to stay, which means that online returns are also a reality that small businesses must prepare for to keep their customers happy and meet their expectations.

The naked truth about coaching

Recently, in a business coaching session with a client, I asked him about some limiting self-beliefs he has been internalising. While thinking about an answer for me, he paused, started smiling, and said:

7 misconceptions about cyber security

Internet security is one of the biggest challenges most businesses face today. With so many facets and risks, how much do you really know about the security market? Can you distinguish between a half-truth and a real threat?

6 steps to boost productivity in your SME

People have often said that “Time is money” and with this perspective – how do you spend your time? Are you investing in activities which will give you a good return in the future or are you whittling it away on distractions and procrastination...

#StartupMentoring: Innovo Networks founder, Damian Michael, shares entrepreneurial pearls of wisdom

As we continue to extract valuable advice and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, we chat with the founder of Innovo Networks, Damian Michael. Innovo Networks is an internet service provider that was born 10 years ago and...

Call for increased SME sector support to foster SA economic recovery

The onset of COVID-19 in 2020 and subsequent energy crisis, have dealt deafening blows to the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) industry. Now, as the sector and the country at large fights...

E-commerce questions to ask when starting or enhancing your business

An online store is now a need rather than a nice-to-have for your business., Since the COVID-19 outbreak, e-commerce has grown in popularity, and more people are choosing to shop online instead of going to physical stores.

Starting a business with R1500, Zakhele Mgobhozi is now an award-winning businessman

They say hard work pays off; for Zakhele Mgobhozi, he is seeing his hard work pay off through the success of his business. Starting with just R1,500.00, Zakhele is today an award-winning businessman and an...

Good business: tools to being more financially fit

In South Africa, Experian, a global financial data company, has joined forces with the National Small Business Chamber to launch the “How To Be Financially Fit” campaign. Good Things Guy and #SAINC have partnered...

Canon hybrid working solutions

From simple scanning and printing through to performing complex workflows, ensure your workforce can operate productively, collaboratively and securely from any device. Whether in the office, at home or on-the-go...

Tackling employee burnout: a quick guide for small businesses

As a small business owner, your team is your powerhouse. Mastering the factors affecting their well-being could mean the difference between a thriving, productive workspace and a gradual, unnoticed decline that harms everyone involved.

AI and SMEs: the pros and cons

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become more prominent in recent years and will continue to develop. So, why should you as a SME care? Well, AI can give you tools which could help you run your business better but it also has some drawbacks...

Fabrica Coffee Company – building up the community

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Fabrica Coffee Company. With a background in owning franchises, Tome De Jesus De Carvalho decided to purchase two Fego franchises and 2 Netcafe stores in 2011.

Ignite Success in Your Small Business with Management and Soft Skills Training - 30% Discount

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to fuel the growth and success of your small business. Enrol in the Good 4 Business Management and Soft Skills training courses today and enjoy a fantastic 30% discount.

Book today and save 30% on ALL Microsoft End-User Training

Struggling with Microsoft's tools and not sure how to use them well? Don't worry, we have the perfect solution: Microsoft End User Training! It will help you become a tech expert!

How to create a sales playbook

Is your sales team clear on what strategy to use in each step of the sales funnel? Are they familiar with who your ideal client is and what the brand’s persona is? If this all sounds a bit puzzling, then you are in good company.

Millions for startups to grow their businesses

South Africa has hundreds of thousands of small businesses – so many that they contribute over 40% of our country’s gross domestic product and employ two-thirds of all South African workers.

6 tips for small businesses to navigate the high-interest-rate environment

Small businesses play a vital role in the South African economy, but many rely on borrowing to fuel their growth. For these small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the current high interest rates are creating challenges...

How to plan a remarkable customer experience

When was the last time you told your friend about a great experience you had at a business? Have you heard what your customers are saying about your business? One of the cheapest ways to advertise your business...

The impact that load shedding is having on small businesses and their employees

The cost of load shedding in South Africa has exceeded an estimated R1.2tn – notwithstanding the losses accumulated during the current financial year. Some of this financial impact has been shouldered by the thousands...

Keeping up with shifting consumer habits to ensure business success

Business cannot exist without its consumers, yet consumer behaviour and values are always shifting and evolving – impacting how businesses sell their products or services. Over the past two years, many aspects of our personal...

The basics of IoT for small businesses

Have you heard of the term “Internet of Things” and wondered what everyone was going on about? If this is you, then you are in the right place. We are going to look at what is the Internet of Things (IoT) and...

Clean-Pro Systems – Keeping a close eye on finances is key to achieving success

Clean-Pro Systems is a specialist bulk supplier of cleaning and facilities chemicals, consumables and products targeted to supplying the cleaning and facilities industries in South Africa. They also provide valued training and...

SMMEs can alleviate SA’s jobs crisis. But they need some help

South Africa’s most recent unemployment figures paint a gloomy picture. This joblessness leads to socio-economic issues, including crime, poverty and inequity. In other words, we can’t fix our other challenges until we fix unemployment. 

How to set your small business up for success

South Africa’s economy relies on the success of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as these businesses provide jobs to millions of South Africans and are key drivers of economic growth and innovation.

Xero report reveals small business growth in the face of economic adversity

South African small businesses are determined to face a challenging economic environment with optimism and resilience, according to Xero’s sixth State of South African Small Business report.

Customer service hacks for small businesses

Customers usually stick with businesses that value them and treat them well. According to a global PwC survey , almost 60% of customers would discontinue using a brand if they had bad experiences.

Success calculator for salespeople

As a sales person, can you predict your income? Do you know how many calls you need to make to reach your target for the month? There is a level of prospecting effort needed, in order to achieve your targets...

Free AI marketing tools every small business should know about

Marketing is crucial for small business owners seeking market entry as it enhances visibility, attracts and retains customers, establishes a competitive advantage, provides market knowledge, and fuels business growth and expansion.

Santam launches digital insurance for micro township enterprises starting at R75

Santam has launched a digital insurance product for micro township enterprises, which will cost between R75 and R195 a month, providing these businesses with financial security and recovery in the event of a loss.

Market locally: 7 reasons to sell to locals

Many entrepreneurs dream of having a global brand, but the famous global brands started small and probably marketed to their local community before they leaped on to the international stage.

Lady K Wellness – Building communities

Established in 2010, Lady K Wellness is a manufacturer of indigenous herbal teas, cosmetics, capsules, drops and biscuits for the wellness and diabetic market. Using recipes created and used by her father since 1973.

Santam Women of the Future 2023 Competition

It’s that time of year again when Santam partners with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE to kick off the annual Santam Women of the Future competition to seek out the most inspiring and resilient women entrepreneurs in the country.

Calling small businesses to apply now!

Launch My Startup is a high impact national initiative that will fund 100s of high-potential small businesses every year through ESD funding helping them to become active, sustainable economic participants with a positive...

The target market: what is it and how can you define it

Everyone is not your market. This is a phrase often stated when people talk about a market. A market is a group of people who have the buying potential to purchase your service or product.

The 5 questions you need to ask a payment solution provider

With the ongoing decline in the popularity of cash, the vast majority of businesses in the modern era will need to be able to receive electronic payments of some kind or another. Whether through EFT credits...

Simplify how your business manages the Customs process

With the rise of e-commerce, social media and technology in general, even small businesses can easily find customers beyond their local market. Finding a way to navigate the Customs process more efficiently can therefore...

Armour up: protecting yourself from DDoS attacks

Picture this: It’s Black Friday and it’s time to take advantage of the massive sale on your favourite online shop. You’ve been receiving emails all month in the run-up to the day and you’ve bookmarked several items that you...

Cultivate a mentally healthy workplace in your small business

As a small business owner, it’s safe to assume you truly understand the saying “wearing many hats”. From financial management to operational efficiency, you have a lot to juggle.

South African small businesses remain resilient despite challenges

South African small and medium businesses (SMBs) remain optimistic about their prospects despite a challenging 2022, where rising costs significantly impacted profitability

Otto Communications Systems – getting people and businesses connected

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Otto Communications Systems. Otto Communication Systems is in the business of getting people and businesses connected – and keeping them connected.

UPCOMING EVENT :: MTN Business SME Day

MTN Business invites you to join for the first edition of SME Day, exploring the practices, tools and mindsets of SME’s getting #BusinessDoneBetter on the African continent.

Digitization for SMEs

While the pandemic has accelerated e-commerce growth and digitization, it has sparked a new wave of emerging technology adoption. It presents SMEs with a previously unheard-of opportunity to benefit from digitization...

How to succeed at a trade show

Considering investing in a trade show this year? Done right, trade shows can help to increase visibility for your brand, check out what the competition is doing, gather new leads, train your sales team on new products and sales strategies...

Prescription does not run against a mentally incapacitated claimant despite having a curator

The Supreme Court of Appeal confirmed that in circumstances where a claimant is mentally incapacitated, the completion of the period of the prescription of a claim would not occur for as long as the mental health impediment exists.

Revolutionising business: the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a crucial aspect of modern business from automating tasks to improving customer experiences; AI has the potential to revolutionise the way companies operate.

South African small business confidence takes a knock as the energy crisis intensifies

The escalation of the energy crisis in South Africa, which has brought with it the onset of indefinite stage 6 loadshedding, has had an eroding effect on business confidence. Across all indicators, the confidence of small- to...

3 mindset shifts that will help you deal with rejection as a business owner

Did you know that J.K Rowling, world-renowned author of the Harry Potter series was rejected 12 times before a publisher agreed to publish her work? Or that Steven Spielberg was rejected several times by the University...

Moody and Smith Digital – building a team for business greatness

Moody and Smith Digital (Pty) Ltd is a digital agency which aims to help businesses have a solid presence online by implementing the following four core activities: digital marketing, content creation, online community management...

Business Boost :: How to give your business a profit makeover

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) share insights as to how to turn things around if your business is struggling with debt, expenses or poor sales.

Apply for Purchase Order Capital

We know what it feels like to be bursting with potential, only to hit a financial roadblock. But we've got some great news for you – our Purchase Order Capital is here to save the day!

OFFER: Take your business to the next level

Improve your productivity and access new ways of doing things with Microsoft & Dial a Nerd.

UPCOMING EVENT :: Maximise your competitive edge through IP

16 May 2023 | Pretoria The Africa IP SME Helpdesk and the CIPC are organising a one-day programme SMMEs seeking to maximise their competitive edge through IP with a focus on the green economy. Register today!

UPCOMING EVENT :: Breakfast Connect powered by Liquid Intelligent Technologies

The NSBC & @LiquidInTech invites you to #BreakfastConnect – an exclusive #NetworkingEvent that gives you access to innovative thought leadership & connects you with like-minded individuals. 19 May 2023 | Jo'burg | 09h00 - 12h00

UPCOMING WEBINAR :: Budgeting to boost your Financial Health

In this power-packed session, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Ans Gerber (Experian: Head Data Insights and Marketing Services) continue the "How to become Financially Fit" series. 17 May 2023 | Online @ 9:30

Business Boost :: Launch My Startup Accelerator Programme

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) share insights as to how a startup can apply for the Launch My Startup Accelerator Programme – SA’s largest and most exciting startup initiative.

Why South Africa needs more small businesses

While small businesses may very well be the unsung heroes of the South African economy, their contribution to national development is unmistakable. Creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship is therefore...

How to communicate online effectively

In recent times much of our communication has moved online. And with the loss of non-verbal cues and sometimes, vocal cues, the chances for miscommunication has increased.

Why you need to invest in business security systems

A business is far more than merely your source of income, and your hard-earned cash results from years of dreams and plans. Thus, protecting something as important as your livelihood is only natural, especially when crime runs amok.

How to make your listing stand out on Google Maps

Each day, people all over the world use Google Maps to search for businesses that provide the products and services they need. By claiming and verifying your Business Profile on Google, you can control the information that potential...

Local business coalition 101: build better businesses in community

We have often heard the quote “It takes a village to raise a child” but the same can be said about a successful business. Even though many entrepreneurs believe and have been taught that they should build a successful enterprise on their own.

Macatlas Freight – doing business differently

In 2016, Christine Mackay founded Macatlas Freight, a 100% female-owned and -operated freight company that provides a wide range of freight and logistics services. Christine Mackay’s curiosity for freight was awakened when...

Get Capital to boost your business goals from ProfitShare Partners

Yes, that's right! Even as hardcore business professionals, we still need to make mom proud. Let us help you with that. Easily access cash to revive your business or take it to the next level.

Launch My Startup announces its first funded business

CNT Travel has been selected for the Launch My Startup Accelerator Programme that is designed to transform high-potential small businesses. The programme helps them grow into active sustainable businesses.

UPCOMING EVENT :: C2 Cloudvisory Breakfast Event

Discover OneVoice Cloud Contact Centre | 5 May 2023 at 08:30-12:00 | Rosebank, Johannesburg. Register today!

How to give your startup a fighting chance

Imagine putting everything you have – your hopes, dreams and finances into starting your own business, only to watch it crash and burn. The fear of failure is at the very top – above anything else.

6 steps to building a business that buys you time and freedom

One of the main reasons people start a business is to have more time and freedom. But building a business can be time-consuming. Here are six steps to building a business which buys you the time and freedom you craved...

Cybercrime: The greatest business risk of our time

If you’ve found yourself weighing up whether you should spend more on your business’ cyber security measures; the answer is YES – do it, and do it now. Contrary to common misconception, it’s not just large...

Learning to pitch better: the value of feedback from investors and financiers

When I am asked whether entrepreneurs are born or made, I respond that the evidence shows that it is neither. Entrepreneurs precipitate. One of the conditions that need to be present for an entrepreneur to precipitate...

Vendor vs Supplier: which should you use?

Some individuals may consider that “vendor” and “supplier” can be used interchangeably but there is a difference. In this article, we will look at the difference between a vendor and a supplier and the impact this can have...

Business Partners Limited launches new energy fund to address the pressing need for small businesses to invest in alternative energy solutions

According to data published by the South African Reserve Bank, the accumulative loss of stage 6 loadshedding amounts to between R204 million to R900 million per day. A proportion of these losses are incurred...

Roll up your sleeve – it’s time for the flu vaccination

The days are getting shorter and the nights longer which means winter is on its way … and with the change in season comes the start of ‘flu season’.

DialogueSA – Empower leaders for societal change

As people and change specialists, DialogueSA transforms people dynamics and creates vibrant, healthy organisations by activating potent leadership. They encourage leaders to optimise their culture for their strategic...

Easily Access Cash for your Growing Business

Get access to R 250 000 to R 5 000 000 in cash within a few days. We don't require any security, financials or track record. Only an agreed ProfitShare.

How to do great work and live a great life

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) share key tips on how to add magic to your success journey.

The 4 most important contracts every SME needs

So you’ve just registered a new company or started your small business, what now? In the business world, it is critical to establish a system of rules that govern and speak on the enforcement of obligations.

6 reasons to do business in Africa

Africa is a continent bursting with opportunity. It has a rapidly growing population, abundant natural resources, and a favourable business environment. With these in mind, let’s look at six reasons why you should invest in Africa:

The quick guide to payroll compliance

Advice from the experts on how to manage and maintain compliance. How are you keeping up with the ever-changing compliance factors impacting the payroll function? Managing the many aspects of payroll compliance...

6 steps in lead management

Do you have many leads, but they seem to lose interest as they move down the sales funnel or worst yet, they don’t convert into brand loyal customers who promote your product within their circle of influence?

The importance and challenges of financial inclusion

Ensuring everyone can participate in the formal economy is vital for a successful country, but there are a number of unique challenges for financial inclusion in South Africa. The perceived lack of financial inclusion in...

Growth severely hampered by the energy crisis

In 2022, although economic activity slowed, it slightly outperformed expectations, mainly due to the resilience of agriculture and financial services. However, the outlook has considerably worsened, primarily because...

Business Boost :: How to get through the tough times

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about key tips on what to do when you hit a T-Junction and how to overcome adversity.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Managing your Financial Health

In this power-packed session, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Jaco van Jaarsveldt (Experian: Head of Commercial Strategy and Innovation) kick off the "How to become Financially Fit" series powered by Experian, with this all-important topic.

UPCOMING WEBINAR :: Are non-payments from customers hurting your business?

26 April 2023 @ 9:30 Discover how to navigate the world of business using trade credit insurance as a tool. Powered by Coface

Feelgood Health – sharing good health throughout the world

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Feelgood Health.

Client retention – every business’ goldmine

Recently a colleague and I were discussing client retention, during which he lamented the fact that he had recently lost some long-standing clients. Several key points came out of the discussions which I would like to summarise below:

People: your business’ greatest asset

What value do you place on the people who you work with or interact with in your business? If you considered that the people who work in your business are one of the biggest differentiating factors between you and your competitors...

My big client won’t pay! What now?

One of the biggest challenges and nightmares of a small business is when clients don’t pay, especially the big clients. Imagine that you’ve done the job, gone the extra mile and now you are sitting with a money collection problem.

Absa to extend energy grants to SMEs amid crises

Struggling businesses will soon be able to apply for their share of the R50 million in grants to keep their businesses running. In a move aimed at supporting and growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Absa will be providing up to...

3 ways South African SMEs can stay focused on success in 2023

Despite the challenges faced by South African SMEs at the start of 2023, 87% of business owners are remaining optimistic and focused on growth. Rising fuel costs and interest rates, coupled with ongoing load shedding, can often...

From training wheels to winning marathons: Why the journey to the cloud is like learning to ride a bike

Learning how to ride a bicycle can be an exciting and intimidating process. You start with training wheels and remove them once you find your balance. Sure, you might fall and scrape your knee, but you can always get up...

Fashion Centre – Building communities to greater heights

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Fashion Centre. Fashion Centre sells school wear and is a men’s outfitters which sells branded clothing. This family-owned business started with Ebrahim Hattia’s...

Mastering the art of selling

Selling is the lifeblood of any business, and mastering the art of selling is crucial for entrepreneurs, sales people, and anyone who wants to succeed in business. Whether you are selling products or services, effective selling skills...

Digital transformation for B2B sales

Doing business online has grown exponential. With most people enjoying the variety and convenience of online shopping. These same people have started to expect to have this experience when dealing with their suppliers...

The importance of cyber security in an increasingly connected world

The last couple of years have seen an increased move towards digital transformation, not just of business models, but of day-to-day lives. As the world pivoted to meet the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic...

Why ‘going green’ has risen quickly to the top of SME agendas

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are under immense pressure in a tough economic landscape. Considering their substantial role in driving economic growth and job creation, there is now a heightened focus on their survival and growth.

EmPOWER your home and small business: Here’s what you can claim back from renewable energy tax

One moment you’re creating an invoice or presenting on a global conference call, and the next… darkness. If you’re lucky, your trusty inverter, UPS, or remaining laptop battery saves the day, but many South Africans find themselves...

How to be energy efficient in your SME

With sustainability being one of the growing trends for the last couple of years and an energy crisis happening globally and locally. It has become time to acknowledge what your business can do to become energy efficient.

Business Boost :: Getting your customers to pay you faster

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about how small businesses can get their invoices paid quicker.

Getting your customers to pay you faster

Getting customers to pay on time is one of the biggest challenges for business owners and when the problem persists too long, it can ultimately shut down your business.

Why critical action is required in business

Running a successful business requires a lot of effort and dedication. As a business owner, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s why it’s essential to identify your critical action –

What you can and can’t claim – a tax guide for the self-employed

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has promised to get even tougher on taxpayers with a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance. This is why it’s so important to educate yourself about all the tax...

How to grow your market in Africa

Growing your market in Africa requires a strategic approach that takes into consideration the diverse cultural, social, and economic factors that exist in the continent. Here are six steps that can help you grow your market in Africa.

How to bolster your small business against the impact of energy price hikes

The recent decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to authorise an almost 19% price hike on electricity has been met with fierce criticism from several fronts, including the small- to medium-sized enterprise...

How to keep your identity safe in a time of crisis

COVID-19 has affected our lives in many ways. One of the threats is a huge increase in the number of hackers who are using the pandemic to try and steal your money, your personal information, or both.

APARA Global – Sustainable fashion for social impact

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – APARA Global. APARA Global is a Johannesburg-based fashion and styling company that produces clothing through recycled trash.

Business Boost :: The latest SME insights just released

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the latest SME insights and what is needed, to be successful.

#CompetitionTime with Retail Capital - ENTER TODAY!

How has COVID, Day Zero and the Energy Crisis kick-started your journey to sustainability? Let us know and stand a chance to WIN an EcoFlow RIVER Pro Portable Power Station worth R15,000! Entries close 28 March 2023.

How to boost the development of South Africa’s SME sector: lessons from other emerging markets

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are the backbone of economic development in emerging markets like India, South Africa, Kenya and Colombia, where these enterprises contribute up to 40% of national GDP.

Cash budgeting for small businesses

Cash is the oxygen for your business, without it your business will die. But do you know the status of the cash in your business now? It is a must to know your cash status as this will help you to make informed decisions when...

VAT: What is it, and how do you register?

Three words every business owner dreads: Value Added Tax (VAT). We see it on our till slips as the sneaky percentile added to the bill. The truth is it’s not sneaky at all and has existed for over 30 years.

Combatting loadshedding

South Africa has been experiencing frequent power outages for many years now, which has had a significant impact on businesses in the country. These power outages are known as “load shedding” and are caused by...

Expert advice: How South African businesswomen can thrive

Supporting and financing women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions is central to achieving the broader objective of fostering a more diverse and inclusive business environment. In a country like South Africa, where small...

SME value chains can boost your business

Do you know what your SME’s value chain looks like? By closing examining your business’ value chain, you can find areas where you can boost your company. You can also look at regional and global value chains and look...

Talking Money: How to ask the right questions for more budget

How do you go about determining your client's maximum budget without coming across as greedy or overly aggressive? Find out more about a fascinating technique I recently came across that has worked wonders.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Delivering jobs and accelerating SME development: a model that delivers

In this LIVE Q&A we find out more about the digital economy and how the Takealot platform offers the infrastructure to help SMEs compete on an equal footing with large enterprises.

Business Boost :: Starting or building a more successful business?

In this interview we discuss entrepreneurship and how it is a global phenomenon now and how the world is in the midst of a startup revolution as well as SA's biggest entrepreneurial extravaganza - The Business Show :: Africa 2023.

UPCOMING EVENT:: See why you need to be at the #TheBizShowAfrica

Join thousands of entrepreneurs, business owners, and business decision makers. Discover new ideas, key solutions, innovative trends and unique opportunities to build bigger and more successful businesses.

Fishmonger Centurion – strengthening local communities

Henrique Nelson Goncalves is the co-owner and head chef at Fishmonger Centurion. This upscale seafood and sushi restaurant was opened in 2005 with a focus on quality ingredients. Nelson Goncalves has designed a modern...

The time has come. Put up your prices

Every year, without fail, you and I get letters from all sorts of corporate companies we deal with and every year, they all sing from the same hymn sheet: “Blah blah blah your new price increase will be X and you’ll now be paying...

Cash in: challenges facing cash-first businesses

South Africans love cash money – in fact, cash remains the preferred method of payment in the South African economy with cash-first businesses massive contributors to both the formal and informal sectors.

Payroll tax pocket guide and how will the 2023 budget impact you?

Wondering how the 2023 budget will impact you? Need a neat guide to show the way through the tax forest? Then Sage has two guides and an infographic to guide you through the forest and safely to the other side.

Women entrepreneurship on the steady rise in South Africa but access to funding is still lagging

The South African Women Entrepreneurs Job Creators Survey found that women gravitate towards industries whose development supports job creation. The financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs as active contributors to...

How to build a smart office for your SME

With the Internet of Things (IoT) entering all spheres of our life, creating a smart office is a good way to future-proof your business. But what if IoT is strange to you? And what are the real benefits of a smart office?

FJ Flavour Factory – Collaboration makes us stronger together

Fiona Anderson and her partner began FJ Flavour Factory in July 2018. They are a food manufacturer that focus on making spices, flavours, and nuts. They also sell herbs and spices. Furthermore, they see themselves as a solutions...

6 challenges to growing your business and how to overcome them

Growing your business can be testing at times and you may face some difficulties which you are not sure how to overcome. In this article, we look at six of these challenges and what strategies we can implement to overcome them.

Understanding what’s on your credit report

If you have taken out a loan or a store account, or have a credit card or a home loan, you have a credit record. Having a good credit record could make things easier when buying a car, financing your dream home or getting a loan.

Are women winning in the human race?

In observance of International Women’s Day on 8 March, three female EO members from around South Africa share their tips on how to find balance and practice self-care while being busy entrepreneurs, wives, and mothers.

Small businesses urged to ‘go solar’ following the 2023 budget speech

If anything, the 2023 budget speech revealed that devising a targeted plan to solve South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis remains the government’s top priority. The immediate future will see a concerted and collective focus on bringing...

Surviving loadshedding with back to business basics

South Africa’s electricity supply issues are increasingly shocking. Far from being an occasional or periodic occurrence; loadshedding is now a daily reality, with no let-up in in sight. While a longer-term plan to deal with outages is now...

3 digital tools to futureproof your SME

Technological advancement has, within a very short period of time, opened up new windows of opportunity for small businesses to improve several key metrics including productivity, operational costs, efficiency, and time management.

Startwise – helping small businesses to start well

Startwise’s mission is to help the next generation of entrepreneurs build successful start-ups by giving them access to leading industry business experts in South Africa. This platform offers an on-demand web-based application...

Business Boost :: :: How to create a winning ‘Strat Plan’ for your business

In this interview, talk about the importance of creating a strategic plan for SMEs and how it need not be a complicated process. Discover tips on how to approach the ‘Strat Plan’ process and five key tips to bear in mind when creating one.

The Impressive Human Show featuring Richie Quan

In this episode of The Impressive Human Show , we spoke to Richie Quan! He is called the greatest mixed martial arts coach in Africa and that may well be an understatement. Listen to this podcast now.

Pay For Your Project In Advance with ProfitShare Partners

Need to get your project off the ground? But no funds? Well... we've got the Cash for you. Get up to R 5 000 000 in cash per transaction. We only require an agreed ProfitShare once you fulfil your project. Swiftly access cash through...

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Funding your growing business

Mike Anderson (NSBC) and Ronnie Mbatsane (Absa) discuss small business funding, what options are available, what funders are looking for as well as the nation-building initiative #AbsaSmallBizFriday.

How to create a digital storefront for small businesses

As more and more of our lives move online, it has become critical for businesses to have a presence on the internet. Many people use Google search to find solutions to their pain points and if you don’t have a digital storefront or...

Payfast eCommerce Virtual Summit: start, grow and scale your online store

For the fourth year in a row, we’re pleased to bring you the Payfast eCommerce Virtual Summit in partnership with the Insaka eCommerce Academy. Taking place on 14 and 15 March 2023, we’d love for you to join us for this not to be missed...

Looking for credit? First know what lenders are looking for

One of the biggest challenges facing South Africa’s SMMEs right now is accessing credit in a tough economy. Credit is fundamental to the success of the SMME sector and lenders alike, but many lenders are taking a conservative view...

Credit insurance – a quick start guide

It means recognising an opportunity, acting quickly and being aware of what is at stake and taking steps to mitigate the risk. Unfortunately, there is one considerable commercial risk that many companies take for granted until it is too late.

Advice to boost your SME’s digital presence with ChatGPT

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it can be hard to keep up with rapidly changing technologies, which means they can be left behind when something new and innovative hits the market.

Digital marketing trends you should know about for 2023

Scrolling TikTok into the New Year? Of course you are! Digital marketing for 2023 brings with it several fascinating, evolving trends to take note of — more strategic collaboration with micro-influencers, the importance of customer data...

A reminder to employers; failure to guard against foreseeable harm at the workplace may attract liability

In circumstances where an employer fails to take reasonable steps to guard against the inherent dangers to employees in operating machinery on its premises, such entity may find itself liable for the damages sustained by...

Contractual disputes – a guide for small business owners

Contracts are an essential part of conducting any business. As a small business owner, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of any contract entered with an individual or business entity, especially regarding your legal...

Corporate social responsibility and your small business: why does it matter?

Are you only interested in the profits you make or are you interested in the community you serve? In today’s consumer environment, your customers are worried about how society and the environment is doing and how they can participate...

Business Boost :: Funding your growing business

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about funding, what options are available, what funders are looking for and what you need to do to keep the cash flowing.

Table View Butchery – Building the economy, building local communities

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Table View Butchery.

Chepa Streetwear - Invest in yourself

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Chepa Streetwear.

Funding your growing business

03 March 2023 | Online @ 13:00 Mike Anderson and Ronnie Mbatsane discuss small business funding, what options are available, what funders are looking for as well as the nation-building initiative #AbsaSmallBizFriday.

Don’t let these four legal potholes slow down your journey to success

10 March 2023 | Online @ 9:30 Nazeer Hoosen talks to Mike Anderson about the four legal pillars that have a financial impact that one should take care of when starting or running an SMME.

Business Boost :: Taking a full-circle look at your business to propel it to success

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the importance of doing an informal business audit in order to plot the road ahead.

You are too busy to make money

“You guys are too busy to make money”. This statement took the wind out of my sails when our financial director said it to my partners and I in another business over a decade ago.

3 top small business trends and opportunities to tap into in 2023

All things considered, 2022 was a year of recovery for the thousands of South African small businesses who weathered the turbulence of the pandemic, including several systemic economic hurdles.

Not all debt is bad debt

“Save for what you want and then pay cash.’ ‘Don’t get into debt: it’s a slippery slope to trouble.” Sound familiar? These are among the many myths about credit that many of us grew up with.

Why cutting the red tape off SMMEs is a national need

The untapped potential of small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) in the country is astounding. However, the red tape placed on them is even more startling. In South Africa we wouldn’t stand for our national teams...

Don’t fall for the myths: how to succeed with your small business startup in South Africa

So, you have been thinking it’s about time you started something but just can’t quite get into the groove? Let’s break eight myths about business start-ups and help you gain the momentum to get started

Your marketing plan for 2023

Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” ~ Thomas Edison. This means that you can actually create a solid marketing plan for success in your business in 2023. Yes, things can happen, but planning implies...

How can upgrading your working environment reduce the digital divide?

Did you know that a global poll found that as of 2021, 35.9 per cent of respondents experienced high levels of automation in the field of security services and incident processing? A further 48.7 per cent observed medium automation.

How to stay competitive in a disruptive market

Every entrepreneur knows that having competition in a market is part of business but when you add external disruptions then things start to get interesting. Remaining competitive becomes harder as the budgets become smaller.

FREE ebook: Your guide to payroll tax year-end

Is your organisation ready? We understand your day-to-day challenges, which is why we want to try and make your business life easier. We’ve prepared this guide to help you work more efficiently, giving you more time to do what you do best...

A look at the trends that will drive the development of the South African SME sector in 2023

Last year was a turbulent period for South Africa’s small business sector. With it came all the trappings of a business survival bootcamp: rising petrol costs, supply chain instabilities, high inflation, interest rate hikes...

6 ways to rank for voice searches

According to the Smart Audio Report 2020, “52% of voice-assistant users say they use voice tech several times a day or nearly every day”. With this statistic in mind, making our websites voice-search friendly has become a priority.

Why Trade Credit Insurance is free

Trade credit insurance is free. This statement may sound out of this world but look at the infographic and see why trade credit insurance is free.

7 steps to creating an app for your SME

According to the State of Mobile 2021 report by App Annie, $210 Million was spent on mobile apps and 680 Million apps were downloaded in South Africa in 2020 alone. Investing in an app for your business may be a great way to increase growth.

How to improve your customer service

Customers are central to having a business. Without paying customers, there is a very good chance that your business will not be doing very well. By improving your customer service, you will stand out in a crowded marketplace for...

SME Launchpad to offer free outdoor advertising to small businesses

Tractor Media Holdings is allowing entrepreneurs and small medium enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to promote their businesses through its nationwide network of digital boards - for free.

Job Crystal – getting future generations out of poverty

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Job Crystal.

How the Cloud is transforming security operations

Many security professionals are realising that their on-premises or private cloud-based security information and event management (SIEM) system can’t keep up – so they’re migrating this key security operations tool to the public cloud.

Why love is so important in business

With the 14th of February traditionally being Valentine’s day, it made sense for my focus to be love and how that pertains to business. But what is love in a business context? After giving it some thought, I realized that love and...

Small business sales strategies to counteract the stress of the new year

For many, the new year brings with it a chance to start afresh, but with new goals comes new stresses too. And what is more, the new year also kicks off with Januworry, the month that customers claim to feel the biggest pinch...

5 ways to build a retention marketing strategy

When looking at marketing strategies, we are often told that retaining customers is cheaper than trying to onboard new customers. The other benefits of retaining customers are creating brand loyalty and reputation, and you can...

Google launches startup accelerator for women in Africa

Google has announced that it has launched the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program, its first dedicated startup accelerator for women founders in Africa. Applications are now open for the inaugural programme, Google said.

Free ebook: Essential key performance indicators for small and mid-size business

Many businesses are finding that success in today’s shifting marketplace calls for the capacity to change quickly. That’s why it’s important to gain insights from real-time data that enable you to continually measure and adjust performance.

The future is now: enduring consumer behaviour shifts in South African retail

For the retail industry, the pandemic will be remembered as the great accelerant. It not only changed consumer behaviour, but it also accelerated the shift to digital in unprecedented ways. But what does this mean for the future of retail?

Five New Year’s resolutions for South African small business owners and entrepreneurs

The start of the year presents an ideal opportunity for reflection – a chance to pause and regroup before jumping head-first into the hustle and bustle of another year. This is the opinion of Jeremy Lang, Chief Investment Officer at...

Kicks Sportswear – making the business circle bigger

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured Small Business of the week – Kicks Sportswear.

Get the cash you need to boost your business's growth plan from ProfitShare Partners

Plan A might not have worked out. But we're here to support your Plan B. Turning to your Plan B often means that you've learnt some valuable lessons from your Plan A. Get the cash you need to boost your business's growth plan.

Business Boost :: Playing it safe and getting nowhere?

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the value and necessity of taking calculated risks when building a successful business.

The Impressive Human Show brought to you by Nagging Panda!

In this episode we spoke to Ronnie Healy. He is a Pro show jumper that has competed all over the world, Ronnie owns his own yard, breeds horses, is a family man, married, just had a new-born baby and has launched a new business.

Exhibit at The Business Show

Over the two-day event 1000s of entrepreneurs and business owners will attend with the sole intention of sourcing the latest innovative products, services, ideas and opportunities to take their businesses to the next level.

How to talk about your business

Your prospect’s eyes glaze over, and you continue to speak with enthusiasm as they look for the nearest exit. Why are you losing your prospect’s attention when you talk about your business?

4 ways SMEs can deal with the energy crisis while they await relief

South Africa’s escalating energy crisis shows no signs of abating with the implementation of Stage 6 load shedding plummeting many parts of the country into darkness last week.

Critical traits required for a successful business and life

Recent research has highlighted several critical traits of successful entrepreneurs and business owners. Growth mindset is one such trait, which is the belief that personal qualities and abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

3 strategies to manage your inventory

Do you have expired inventory sitting on your warehouse shelves? Do you have more stock than sales? Or do you always run out of stock when the customers come to buy? Then it is time to put in some strategies to manage your...

What to consider when installing a solar system for your manufacturing plant

Manufacturers are typically the largest consumer of electricity. The average annual electricity consumption for a manufacturing plant is about 95.1 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square foot in the US.

Access Bank South Africa takes CFI’s Best Business Banking Solutions in SA 2022 title

In financial news released from its London head office on Thursday, 26 January 2023, Capital Finance International (CFI) has named Access Bank South Africa the Best Business Bank in South Africa for 2022.

SMMEs plead for subsidies to survive load shedding

Clement speaks to Mike Anderson, the founder and CEO of the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) about the damages that load shedding is having on the sector and calls for subsidies for alternative energy solutions.

Purchase Order Capital from ProfitShare Partners

Business is all about making the best out of every situation. If you've been looking for cash but had no luck then we're here for you. All you need is a valid Purchase Order. We don’t require any financials, or track record.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How to overcome e-commerce challenges powered by FedEx Express

Join us for the LIVE Q&A and discover how to differentiate yourself from your competitors with a better online shopping experience and to ensure your e-commerce platform is solid enough to handle increased traffic and demand.

Business Boost :: How to power your business through loadshedding

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the impact of loadshedding on South African small businesses and ways to work around it.

The BIG day has arrived

Exciting NEWS! Africa’s most successful business show is back! You can now seize your FREE Ticket and secure your spot to attend the entrepreneurial extravaganza of the year! – The Business Show :: Africa.

Grow your business with South Africa’s largest omni-channel retailer

What is Makro Marketplace? We’ve brought together like-minded sellers to create a marketplace with millions of additional products for our customers to choose from. The Makro Marketplace is where third-party sellers are...

23 tips to run your business better in 2023

The end of a year and the beginning of the next is when thoughts turn to New Year’s resolutions – time to lose weight, return to the gym, improve one’s health. The same applies to small business owners, according to Denzil Steyn...

Savvy shipping tips to help build your small business

E-commerce is growing rapidly, and customer expectations are increasing. Customers are looking for convenient shipping and a seamless shopping experience. As a result, many small businesses rely heavily on shipping companies...

Government working on energy relief package for small businesses

The Department of Small Business Development is working on an energy relief package for the small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with stakeholders to alleviate the devastating impact of load shedding on small businesses.

Free 2023 online e-commerce marketing calendar

When it comes to marketing your business online, planning ahead can make the difference between a good year and a great one. We understand that as a business owner, planning ahead can be tricky when you are in the thick of today.

Eight trends that are shaping business communications in 2023

As businesses continue evolving to meet changing customer behaviour, the uptake and investment in cloud unified communications platforms and tools will continue to soar. Businesses are increasingly realising that they must meet...

Build your B2B customer relationship for success

According to a 2020 Customer Engagement Consumer Survey by Rosette consulting, highly engaged customers spend 60% more, buy 90% more frequently, and have three times the annual value compared to other customers.

Network Configurations – Great teamwork makes a business work

Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured small business of the week – Network Configurations. Established in 1995, Network Configurations (NETCONFIG) was a small IT support company, assisting businesses to implement IT networks and systems.

Grow your business with Marko Marketplace

At the NSBC we partner with leading local & global brands that share a passion for seeing small businesses all over our country grow & thrive. One such partner is Massmart Discover how you can grow your business on the Makro SA Marketplace.

Business Boost :: How to double your sales in 30 days

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about how to ensure 2023 is the best year yet with sales, cash flow and profits, what a rainmaker is and how you can be one in your business.

How to power your business through the darkness

Many South Africans are looking for the light at the end of the loadshedding tunnel, but it still seems we are in the dark. With rumours of loadshedding at level 8 and a 18.65% power rate increase approved by the power regulator Nersa...

“New Year and same old . . . ”

It’s finally happened. The 1st of January has finally polarised society. One half is over the moon with excitement of what a new year may bring. They’ve got exciting goals, or at least some New Year’s resolutions, and they can’t wait to get going.

How do you know it’s time to take your small business global?

If your small business is doing well in the domestic market, why not consider attracting new customers internationally? Let’s explore a few factors to consider before you decide to take the plunge into new markets.

#BizTrends2023: Trends that will influence the SME sector in 2023

The small-medium enterprise (SME) sector is still marred by gender inequality as women-owned businesses continue to operate under challenging conditions, such as discrimination, economic exclusion, and stereotyping.

Incompatibility as a form of incapacity

Incompatibility may be defined as an employee’s inability or failure to maintain cordial and harmonious relations with their fellow employees and clients within the workplace.

How to take your online marketing from basic to pro level

The online marketing world is fullof marketing strategies for small businesses — it’s like a ridiculous buffet of options, so how do you choose what will work for you?

3 new year’s resolutions for small business owners and leaders to consider

As we move into 2023, many small and medium business (SMB) owners and leaders anticipate another difficult year. Yet they are comfortable knowing they’ve endured a lot since the start of the pandemic. SMBs have survived, and some...

4 ways to prepare your small business for 2023

For many South African small businesses, 2022 was a year of unprecedented change, as businesses and consumers adapt to life after the worst of Covid-19.

Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) shares on the impact of loadshedding on South African Small Businesses

In this radio interview on BBC World View - News Day Mike Anderson discusses the impact loadshedding is having on SMEs. Interview starts at 33 minutes of the episode.

UPCOMING EVENT :: Breakfast Connect powered by Microsoft

10 February 2023 | 9:30 - 12:00 | Microsoft, Bryanston Office, Johannesburg Join us for the world famous business-to-business breakfast networking event. Promo code: BC100223NSBC

Business Boost :: How to rewrite your life-story

n this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about how if you are not 100% happy with where you are and you feel you are going nowhere slowly, then the time is now to change.

How to double your sales in 2 Days

Are you serious about doubling your sales and growing a bigger and more successful business quickly? – If so, then read on.

#BizTrends2023: Greater online retail expectations and a changing basket at checkout

The last few years have seen a sustained growth in the adoption of e-commerce. This has brought about a lot of changes in the industry – and there are many more to come.

Credit insurance – a quick start guide

It means recognising an opportunity, acting quickly and being aware of what is at stake and taking steps to mitigate the risk. Unfortunately, there is one considerable commercial risk that many companies take for granted until it is too late.

9 success metrics to measure your online marketing (+ 6 tools to help)

“Success in online marketing” — don’t those words sound magical? It’s what everyone wants. You want it. I want it. Success in online marketing = sales, orders, and that beautiful thing that pays the bills — money. But how do you check...

Bidding for success: New ways to find your most valuable customers

When everyone is doing the same thing, it’s difficult to stand out. But the latest generation of Google campaign tools can help you find and reach your most valuable customers. Learn how to elevate your performance marketing.

PayFast’s top 5 digital payment trends for 2023

We’re almost halfway into the first month of the new year and are all systems go to make the most out of 2023. We’re pretty excited about what’s in store for PayFast and the South African payments industry as a whole.

4 B2B cold call scripts to master

According to a cold-calling LinkedIn article, 63% of sellers say cold calling is the worst part of their job. But then some studies show that one of the reasons for this belief is because they aren’t good at it and it feels like a waste of time.

Get #Back2Business with Capital solutions from ProfitShare Partners

Opportunity can only scale with cash and other resources to help it grow. No matter the opportunity, let us work with you to find the best solutions for your business.

UPCOMING EVENT :: How to overcome e-commerce challenges powered by FedEx Express

25 January 2023 | Online @ 9:30 Join us for the LIVE Q&A and discover how to differentiate yourself from your competitors with a better online shopping experience.

Do this to rewrite the plot of your life story now

It’s a new year. A new beginning. If you don’t like where you are and where you are going, rewrite a new plot now. If we can model the success traits of the zero-to-hero mega-entrepreneurs, there is no doubt that we will experience...

3 new year’s resolutions for small business owners and leaders to consider

Whatever 2023 may bring, the beginning of a new calendar year is an opportunity to introspect on the previous year, learn from the past, build on what works, and fix what doesn’t.

The year ahead: what will 2023 hold for South Africa’s small businesses?

As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, our country’s economic outlook remains lacklustre. For SMEs, the best way to prepare for the year ahead is to remain agile – be ready for “plan A” but keep “plan B” (and C) in your pocket...

The basics of a sales

There are a few differences between B2B sales and business-to-customer (B2C) sales. In this article, we will look at the differences between B2B and B2C sales and how you can start to build your sales process for your business customers.

Loadshedding: A small business continuity plan

There’s been a lot of ‘new normal’ going on over the last couple of years, and sadly, Eskom has confirmed that for at least the next 12 to 18 months, loadshedding will be part of that.

Agreements and your small business – 4 things to know

Treat all agreements, including verbal arrangements as a ‘contract.’ It will help put you in the right mental and legal frame of mind from the outset. Agreements could include service level agreements, cost estimates...

Nine questions to ask to improve your chances of getting business finance

To anyone doubting the availability of finance for South African business owners, consider this: Business Partners Limited has provided business loans totalling R19.5 billion in over 71 600 transactions with business owners since its start...

Telviva One: Better quality conversations, synchronised for better customer experiences

With so many disparate communication channels, meaningful customer engagements have become fractured and disrupted. But Telviva, have perfected a range of cloud-based platforms.

Purchase Order Capital - Easily Accessible Capital when you need it!

It’s #back2business and you don’t have time to deal with complex application processes and red tape. You need cash now. All you need is a valid Purchase Order or Contract and require cash from R 250 000 – R 5 000 000. Got it?

7 Holiday marketing ideas for SMEs

‘Tis the season to be jolly. As the twinkly lights are put up and everything becomes covered in red and green, people start to get ready to celebrate the holidays. But how can your small business stand out in the sea of red and green?

3 of the biggest small business festive fails and how to avoid them

For South Africans, the warmer weather has arrived, and shoppers are keen to embrace the outdoors. And of course, the festive season also means family time, which gives many an extra reason to shop.

How small businesses should plan for quiet months

Currently, many small businesses are welcoming the ‘busy season’. Depending on their products and services, the festive rush makes a big difference for some business owners, especially if they have fewer customers...

5 tips to help you navigate customs for your business

One of the most exciting things about growing your business is finding new suppliers and customers abroad. With customs being a process that you’re going to experience to facilitate shipping abroad, let us show you...

Keeping up with a changing cybersecurity landscape

CISOs face a bigger attack surface than ever – and the talent shortage and ever-evolving threat of ransomware and phishing aren’t helping. Find out how to respond effectively to these and other cybersecurity trends in this e-book...

The new 60/40 model: The ideal budget split to drive retail traffic

E-commerce retail is expected to grow faster than its in-store equivalent. For omnichannel retailers wishing to maximise the potential of this opportunity, they need to know which marketing channels will most efficiently drive growth

Business Boost :: What we should stop doing going into 2023

In this interview, Mike Anderson and Damian Schmidt reflect on the year past and ahead and look at Mike's top tips on what small business owners need to do to lift their game and fine-tune strategies so as to succeed beyond all expectations.

Unlock your growth potential, scale and do more for your business

Join Lesego Mpakanyane and Ingrid Mintera (Vodacom Financial Services) in this LIVE interactive Q&A session as they discuss the global shift to enhance digital presence and how this presents an opportunity for growth.

Business Boost :: Success isn't simply a product of doing more

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about how success is determined not only by the habits, beliefs and commitments we take on but more what we let go of.

The 6 P’s of marketing

Have you rated your company against the six P’s of marketing? Do you know the significant influence this can have on your entire business? It goes far further into the organisation make up than just in the marketing department.

Digital marketing for e-commerce

You’ve got an online business that you want to ramp up or really start getting some traction on – great! Now you want to start looking at how to market what you sell. Even better!

How to speed up your success going into 2023

As we are now closing in on 2023, business owners and entrepreneurs everywhere need to uplift their game and fine-tune strategies so as to succeed beyond all expectations.

Lessons on building a local brand from the ground up

Before the onset of COVID-19, trend forecasters predicted that South Africa’s pet care economy would soon outpace other emerging markets.

The occupier of a property has a legal duty to prevent foreseeable harm to persons visiting the property

In a November judgment in Lakay v Minister of Justice & Another 2022 ZAWCHC 221, the court confirmed that the occupier of a property has a legal duty to prevent foreseeable harm to persons visiting the property.

Innovate and thrive – unlocking digitisation opportunities for your business

Companies that adapted and rolled out digital solutions were able to survive the height of the pandemic while those that still relied on old ways of working withered under the immense pressure.

Witness Champions in the Making

Be inspired and watch champions in the making at the 2022 South African Small Business Awards.

Meet the 2022 National Woman in Business Champion

In this interview, Mike Anderson chats to the 2022 National Small Business Champion - Sasha Knott from Job Crystal.

Meet the 2022 National Startup Champion

In this interview, Mike Anderson chats to the 2022 National Startup Champion - Velly Bosega from Startwise.

Meet the 2022 National Startup Champion

In this interview, Mike Anderson chats to the 2022 National Startup Champion - Sammy Mhaule from Kicks Sportwear.

Meet the 2022 National Small Business Champion

In this interview, Mike Anderson chats to the 2022 National Small Business Champion - Iain Emerson from Network Configurations.

Meet the 2022 National Entrepreneur Champion

On 17 November 2022, at the 2022 South African Small Business Awards, Dumisani Mahlangu (founder of Chepa Streetwear) was announced as the 2022 National Entrepreneur Champion.

EVENT COMING UP: Microsoft for Startups

Microsoft for Startups is here to make life easier and more productive for Founders. Join us for a free 1-day event in Cape Town on 01 Dec 2022. Register today.

Breaking News: The winners of the #SmallBizAwardsSA have been announced

The National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 14th annual South African Small Business Awards.

What it takes to be a champion

Do you dream of being successful? Then you must want it. Want it as badly as your next breath. To go after it with a clear vision, fuelled by a burning desire for nothing less. Willing to take that ultimate risk and face the possibility of failure...

How to step into the digital economy for SMEs

The digital economy has been a hot topic in recent years. Where it was once seen as a “nice-to-have” for businesses, it is increasingly becoming an essential part of operating a business.

The way we work isn’t working. How do we fix it?

The hope was once that computers would help people to work smarter and more efficiently. With the advent of the network society, some 10 years ago, it was also believed that people’s options would increase and thereby empower them.

Innovate and thrive – unlocking digitization opportunities for your business

Since COVID-19, we have seen how much of a difference a digital strategy and capabilities can have on a business. Companies that adapted and rolled out digital solutions were able to survive the height of the pandemic...

Where does cyber security fit into the risk ladder for a business?

Cyber risk has become a major risk over the last few years, and today it has become a priority for many companies based on size and sector. From a regulatory standpoint, it’s an area that regulators and rating agencies around...

Top considerations when upgrading your business phone system

We cannot emphasise the importance of a reliable business telephone system enough. 60% of companies admit that business phone systems and live agents are their most urgent investment priorities.

Modernise your security operations

As attackers develop modern attack techniques, it’s imperative that security teams work to continually modernise their security operations to stay prepared for adversaries.

Interview :: Business Boost - The 2022 South African Small Business Awards Top 20 Announced

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss the #SmallBizAwardsSA and announce the 'TOP 20' Award Winners.

4 tips to guide you on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur

For some, the prospect of taking a risk and stepping out into the sometimes complex maze that is the South African SME sector is too daunting. And for others, it is a golden opportunity that is not to be missed.

How a consolidated security stack can reduce your risks and costs

Technology stacks for security have evolved into a jumbled mix of point solutions as security teams address multiple threat types coming through a variety of endpoints, apps, services and networks.

What Google is doing to help brands build resilience and drive results

In February 2022, Google unveiled an ambitious product road map for its advertising technologies, focused on improving automation, measurement, and privacy.

South Africa’s festive season: A summer like no other

For South Africans, the holiday season coincides with the beginning of summer and serves as a year-end break for students and several professions. Factors like the increased amounts of free time, families and friends being reunited...

10 top tips for small business email etiquette

With an estimated 319.6 billion emails being sent every day in 2021 and this number is believed to continue to rise; it has become critical to send emails which will be opened and read. But what are the top tips for small business etiquette?

And the winners of the 2022 South African Small Business Awards are…

It’s that time of year again when the NSBC announces the names of the ‘Top 20’ Award Winners. It’s never an easy task, given the sheer number of exceptional South Africans who have created thriving and innovative businesses.

Perfect your B2B sales strategy

As more and more decision-makers become digital-first buyers, the B2B sales strategies of the past need to be adapted to meet these buyers where they’re at.

What is dropshipping and how can you get started?

For those of us who are excited at the prospect of entering the world of e-commerce, dropshipping holds a lot of appeal. The reason is that there are relatively low barriers to entry in starting a dropshipping business.

SME financing 101: Knowing your options is key to survival

Despite COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being a thing of the past, small and medium enterprise (SME) owners across the country are under pressure, thanks to a sluggish economy, which the pandemic only served to compound.

Legal hassles can sink your small business before you have begun to swim

South Africa is a challenging environment in which to succeed as a small business. Our government regulations can be prohibitive, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic followed on the heels of an economy not performing well and a slow recovery rate.

The 4 most common traits of successful entrepreneurs – with examples

From the outset it needs to be said that there simply is no formula for the ‘perfect entrepreneur’. Find out more about four of the traits that many of the world’s most prolific business people have in common.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Small Business, BIG Impact

In this webinar find out more about the power of small business and take a look at #AbsaSmallBizFriday and how your business can benefit from this national movement.

UPCOMING EVENT :: China Homelife and China Machinex South Africa returns to Johannesburg

After a 3- year pandemic enforced break, China Homelife and China Machinex will be returning to Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa from the 15th to 17th November 2022.

Fund offers relief for SMEs in agro-processing and manufacturing sector

The South African SME Debt Fund - a partnership between Sanlam Investments and the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) - was launched in the second quarter of 2022 to help SMEs in these sectors reach their full potential.

Santam :: National Sponsor of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to Santam for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa.

7 tips to make cold calling less frosty

How often has your prospect put the phone down before you explained the purpose of your call? If it is more than 50 per cent, then you are in the right place as we help you to make your cold calls less frosty.

Early-stage entrepreneurial activity in South Africa surges by 62% over the past 2 years

We are seeing a surge in entrepreneurial activity despite the difficult economic conditions South Africa has endured over the past two years with many entrepreneurs reporting that they have identified new opportunities because of the pandemic.

Gear your business for greatness this Black Friday

Black Friday and the retail events that surround it are key consumer shopping events for you and your competitors, but how can SMEs like yours make the most of the period?

3 super practical ways to combat stress and prevent burnout as an entrepreneur

A number of studies and reports aired on popular media platforms such as Carte Blanche continue to highlight the importance of issues such as workplace stress, the negative impact of long working hours and the prevalence of burnout...

Loadshedding, petrol and interest rate hikes hit SME confidence levels

The Business Partners Ltd SME Confidence Index, which celebrates its 10th year anniversary in 2022, measures business confidence levels relative to labour laws, access to finance, state-level interventions and broader socioeconomic realities.

Fintech firm’s message to SMEs is vital: ‘Don’t despair, ProfitShare’

In the penultimate episode of the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy Slaying in Your Lane series, sponsored by fintech company ProfitShare Partners, founder and CEO of the company, Andrew Maren, discusses access to cash for SMEs...

Nagging Panda Free Trial!

45 Days Free, No Credit Card Required. You’ll be directed to the Nagging Panda Pricing page but fear not, it’s just so you can choose your system mode and which package works for your business. You won’t be charged anything.

Purchase Order Capital

There isn’t time to deal with a complex application form when quick access to cash is what you need now. Get cash for your valid Purchase Orders and Contracts from R 250 000 up to R 5 000 000. Apply today!

How to make your business bloom

5 simple strategies for SMEs to attract more business in Spring. Historically, Spring is a busy time for small businesses and presents a season in the year filled with opportunities to capitalise on the energy and positivity of the warmer months.

Live commerce: a brief guide

With the growth of video content booming and people interacting more in online spaces, the move to live commerce seems inevitable. But what is live commerce and how can it boost your small business?

How 3D Secure 2 caters for a better online shopping experience

If you’ve ever used your credit or cheque card to shop online, you’ll be familiar with the process of having to confirm your payment through a one-time pin via email, cellphone or banking app on your smartphone. This process is called 3D Secure...

What uncapped data can do for your business

Approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created across the planet every day. A quintillion is over two times as much as a billion, a number so large that the human brain can’t fathom it properly.

Webinar Wednesday :: Unlocking small business growth through technology

19 October 2022 Online @ 9:30 In this LIVE interactive Q&A session Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Nastassha Dooks (@vodacom Executive Head of SME & SOHO) about the power of technology to unlock growth in your business.

UPCOMING EVENT :: How to manage your wealth as a business owner before year-end

Entrepreneurship Series | 13 October 2022 @ 9:00 Learn how to manage your wealth as a business owner with Fergus Ferguson.

UPCOMING EVENT :: Microsoft Security Summit

25 October 2022 | 8:00 - 16:00 The Forum | The Campus, Bryanston, Johannesburg

Africa’s biggest business event is back

If you are serious about wanting to build a bigger and more successful business, this unmatched event provides the platform to fast-track business success!

Business Boost: Key highlights from the 2022 National Small Business Survey

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the findings of the 2022 National Small Business Survey and how businesses can use these insights to make their businesses more successful.

It’s always about the money

I love it when people say to me: “but Harry, it’s not about the money.” Really?! Do you actually believe that? Now I’m the first to support that money isn’t everything. There are a lot of things that are important. I’m also not saying that money...

Build a social commerce strategy for your SME

Social media is already a common digital marketing strategy for most SMEs and has become increasingly important in recent years. When customers are looking for a solution, they will most probably do their research online.

A 4-point guide on what it takes to build a successful business on the African continent

Several economists have referred to Africa as the ‘next global growth market.’ A number of findings support this claim – according to the World Bank, six of the ten fastest-growing economies in the world are in African countries.

Top marketing strategies for Black Friday 2022 and 9 ways to stand out

Year-end is coming on like a freight train and with it, the inevitable planning for Black Friday 2022 specials and holiday sales. If you feel intimidated and a bit overwhelmed at the thought of planning your Black Friday marketing strategy...

Understand their market before proposing your solution

Rooting your B2B strategy in reliable data is essential when expanding into an export market. Market research helps you make informed sales and marketing decisions by identifying markets worth pursuing and examining potential...

Celebrating the spirit that drives South Africa forward

From National Fishing Month to International Walk to School Month, there seems to be a special month for almost everything these days. But what is their relevance?For the public and private sectors, special...

The fundraising market in Africa is growing, but it’s hard out there for start-ups

Analysis of the current African market by boutique investment bank DAI Magister, reveals that investors have so far bucked macrotrends by exhibiting confidence in investing into African businesses, particularly in first and second round raising.

UPCOMING EVENT :: The power of small business and the road to success

Wednesday, 05 October 2022 - Broadcast LIVE @ 09:30. In this live Q&A, Mike Anderson & Kgalaletso Tlhoaele explore the power of small business, take a look at #AbsaSmallBizFriday and how your business can benefit from this national movement.

Business Boost :: The biggest challenges facing SMEs

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the findings of the 2022 National Small Business Survey - focusing on the biggest challenges SMEs face and how to overcome these.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Driving financial inclusion: the importance of understanding your credit health

Presented by Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) & Jaco van Jaarsveldt (Experian – Head of Commercial Strategy and Innovation: Africa).

4 signs you’re ready to turn your side hustle into a formalised SME

The prospect of making the transition from a ‘side hustler’ to the owner of a fully-fledged business may have serious appeal, but it’s important for entrepreneurs to resist the temptation to buy into romanticised notions of what it means to own...

Grow your subscription-based business today

According to Telecoming’s SUBSCRONOMICS 2021 report, there are approximately 7.2 million active subscriptions in South Africa and there is a growth rate of 14% year on year. This means that the subscription-based economic model...

6 ways to reduce bias in your SME recruitment activities

September is Heritage Month, a great time to reflect on the rich diversity of candidates that our local job market has to offer. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have an important part to play in building a more inclusive workforce...

Off the grid: Is it time for small and medium enterprises to flick the switch to solar?

The economic challenges in South Africa are daunting for most businesses. When coupled with the impact of load-shedding, there are compelling reasons why many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are actively seeking out alternative...

POPIA: the new era of protection of information

What is the purpose of POPIA? The intended purpose of POPIA is to promote the right to privacy in the Constitution, while dealing with the right of access to information, as well as the protection of information and the flow of same.

Brand partnerships: 3 things to learn from South African YouTube creators

Influencer marketing has long been an industry buzzword but how can marketers ensure that brand partnerships deliver tangible results? Watch two YouTube creators — with a combined subscriber base of over 250K — talk about the beauty...

5 things SMEs need to keep in check in South Africa

As a small business owner in 2022, it’s your role to ensure that your business strategy has been re-adjusted post-pandemic, so that you are able to respond to ever-changing consumer demands, and have an innovative game plan...

The underestimated value of industry research to SMME’s sales and marketing

Industry research adds value to your B2B sales and marketing approach by using data-driven insights to align your team’s efforts. This research is important for creating efficient and effective sales and marketing strategies...

The role of SETAs in South Africa

In 1998, the South African Parliament developed the Skills Development Act. The act defined a new Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) system. The goal was to develop a series of sector skills plans within a clearly defined...

Why business development is good for business

Dwayne Jansen, one of our key account specialists, shares why he’s passionate about what he does and why he believes business development is important for the success of any business.

Tips for entrepreneurs exploring franchising and financing for the franchise sector

Jeremy Lang, General Manager at Business Partners Limited, encourages entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities available in this exciting sector. He notes, however, that due to the many types of businesses operating within the sector...

Voice communication and the power of modern PABX systems

Nothing is worse than struggling to hear incoming calls. As a business, clear communication with employees and clients is vital. For this reason, it’s essential to know the advantages and advanced features of a modern PABX system.

Join the SME e-Market today!

We know running a business can be tough and finding new innovative ways to increase revenue and profitability is not easy. That’s why Old Mutual has launched a digital marketplace that connects buyers and sellers...

Why get a medical aid for your SME?

Access to quality healthcare is top of mind for many South Africans, particularly after the COVID pandemic. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund South discusses the advantages of belonging to a medical aid for...

Netstar :: National Sponsor of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to Netstar for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa.

Business Boost: Key insights to help businesses overcome challenges

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about the leading factors that contribute to business failure and what businesses can do to overcome these challenges.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How business funding leads to the sustainability of SMEs

In this LIVE interactive Q&A session Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Nobesuthu Ndlovu (Director of SMEs - Old Mutual Limited) about this all-important topic.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How to advertise your business in 10 minutes

Presented by Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) & Sindy Snow (Vodacom - Portfolio Marketing Manager in Digital Lifestyle Service)

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Insights on managing an impactful business

Presented by Ncumisa Nodaka (Sage – Accountant, Tax Practitioner, Facilitator, Assessor, and Professional Business Advisor / Mentor)

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Crafting a business that gives you time and freedom

Presented by Pieter Scholtz (ActionCOACH – Co Master Licensee & Executive Coach)

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Learning to love change

Presented by Kristin Ransome (Google - Business Development Executive & Life Coach)

Sage :: National Sponsor of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to Sage for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa.

Becoming a local business champion

By supporting SMEs, we can encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in their business ideas and we can continue to build our economy. But how can we be champions for small businesses?

Registration, labour and tax: The most important compliance requirements for new small businesses

Putting measures and policies in place to ensure compliance may be a daunting task, and small business owners may be tempted to put compliance on the back burner in favour of more immediate concerns. However, being compliant from...

5 myths business owners have about staff

Following quite a few of these conversations recently about staff, I thought I’d help bust some of the myths business owners have around staff in general. These are just a few of the recent things I’ve heard:

Working together to build a culture of entrepreneurship is key to SA’s economic future

The ability to earn an income is one of the cornerstones on which every person’s physical and mental well-being depends. However, the options for earning such an income have decreased massively over the past decade...

Commercial vehicle conversions and all you need to know to make them work for your business

Because of how well vehicle conversions have developed over the course of history, building the perfect transport solution for your business could be easier than you think.

Managing and improving your fleet’s fuel economy

No matter the size or type of fleet, fuel expenses always make up a large portion of the budget. With the exorbitant fuel prices South Africa and the rest of the world are experiencing, there is no better time than the present...

UPCOMING WEBINAR :: Realise the value of industry research

Join our webinar where experts discuss how research can provide modern sales and marketing professionals a competitive edge.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: 1000 more No’s!

In this webinar, Elan proposes a different view, that “No” is good, in fact, maybe even great! You just need to know how to use it.

Business Boost :: How to accelerate your business success

Mike Anderson (NSBC) & Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) talk about success and how to define it. Mike also shares some powerful tips on what we need to do to succeed and build a powerful business by looking at what mega-entrepreneurs do differently.

Help small business South Africa today and you could WIN

Complete this snap survey and you could win a Digital ONE Marketing Campaign valued at R50,000.00

National Small Business Chamber achieves greatness in South Africa with the support of Sage

Sage provides SME organisation with a cloud accounting solution that ensures operational efficiency and financial compliance.

To lead is a choice. The 4 I’s of thriving leadership

Navigating ourselves and our businesses in an ever-changing environment with macro-economic forces at play has become a real challenge for many. Yet, for every business that reaches the end of its road that are many more businesses...

4 things entrepreneurs really need for success

If you google “The traits of successful entrepreneurs”, the usual and expected themes come up – things like passion, resilience, vision, confidence, inspiration, focus, strong leadership abilities, optimism and a willingness to fail.

Make your business bloom: 5 simple strategies for SMEs to attract more business in Spring

Historically, Spring is a busy time for small businesses, who have an unmatched opportunity to capitalise on the energy and positivity of the warmer months. This Spring will be particularly unique...

Beginner’s guide to SEM: SEO vs Search Engine Marketing

Search engine marketing is another one of those techy phrases that sounds more complicated than it really is. Well, okay, yes, there is room to make it complicated — depending on your budget...

Experian :: National Sponsors of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to Experian for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa. #SmallBizAwardsSA #LaunchMyStartUp

How business funding leads to the sustainability of SMEs

In this LIVE interactive Q&A session Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) chats to Nobesuthu Ndlovu (Director of SMEs - Old Mutual Limited) about this all-important topic.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: Educating Women within the MONEY Environment

Hosted recently at the Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Summit - Jodi is a wealth advisor at Citadel and she is passionate about educating women within the money environment, empowering women to take back their wealth creation and secure their future.

Microsoft :: National Sponsors of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to Microsoft for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa. #SmallBizAwardsSA #LaunchMyStartUp

Take control of your invoicing, cashflow, payments, tax, and more.

Become a Sage customer and set your business up to fly... Sage, helping business flow. Sign up for a 3-month free trial of Sage Business Cloud Accounting.

WEBINAR :: ActionCOACH Entrepreneurship Series featuring Francois Lubbe

8 September 2022 @ 9:00 In honour of Heritage Day in September, we will be focusing on the importance of being a Proudly South African business owner and how that will aid you in building a profitable and sustainable business.

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How To Overcome Adversity in Business

Hosted recently at the Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Summit - Lee-Anne Singer, Marketing Director of the Singer Group shares her personal story on how the past 3 years events has affected the business and how they prevailed in the face of adversity.

Start your own business with the right foundation in place to ensure sustainability

South Africa has been established as one of the continent’s ‘big four’ startup ecosystems, alongside Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria, according to the 2022 South African Startup Ecosystem Report.

Your business is not an ATM: 5 reasons to earn a salary as a business owner

How many business owners consider their business to be an endless fountain of money to fulfil any wish they have? If this is your idea, then it is time for the bubble to burst. or you to run a successful growing business, you need to...

Remaining resilient during these interesting times

In prepping for this blog, I asked business owners in my network what made them proud to be South African business owners. The overwhelming response was – our resilience.

My journey as a woman in tech

Woman’s Month is more than just a month of celebrating the women in our lives – our mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. It’s about appreciating everything the previous generations have accomplished, offering us the freedom to...

Negligent conduct does not automatically attract liability

Where a claimant sues for damages for a personal injury claim, the proof of negligence does not automatically attract liability on the part of the third party for the claim. The claimant is required to prove that the third party’s negligent...

Telematics and how it can save you money

The word ‘telematics’ looks and sounds more complicated than it is. In most circles, it’s simply known as fleet tracking or GPS vehicle tracking. But no matter what you call it, there can be no denying its value and usefulness.

Old Mutual's innovative and cost effective insurance for SMEs

Old Mutual For SME has launched an innovative insurance solution that empowers SMEs to protect themselves against theft, loss, or damage to business assets, which could negatively affect business continuity.

Nedbank has empowered local business Mamma Theresa's Cuisine to do big things

Nedbank Money Message is an invoice and payment solution that enables small businesses to create and send invoices, and receive payments easily and securely on WhatsApp.

Business Boost - Why you should come to The Business Show :: Africa 2022

Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss Business Show :: Africa featuring a stellar line-up of industry experts as well as the celebrations for the biggest small business day of the year #absasmallbizfriday.

The Business Show :: Africa 2022 - See the full speaker line-up

Join us for Africa's leading and most successful online expo for anyone who is serious about starting out or wanting to grow a bigger and more successful business.

BITM – connecting the science of technology and cyber-security

In this interview, we find out more about Christo Coetzer (Founder and Director of BITM), his business journey and why he believes South Africa should support small business.

02 September is the biggest small business day of the year!

We invite you to join #AbsaSmallBizFriday Africa’s most powerful small business and job creation movement as we mobilise the nation to go out and support small businesses. Get involved today!

Buckle up!

With the very odd exception, people are taking huge strain. hey’re deeply concerned, worried about the future and really struggling to get to grips with the now.

4 simple cash-flow management strategies for small businesses

Cash flow ranks high amongst the top concerns for small businesses in South Africa. And because business comes down to rands and cents, balancing the inflow of revenue with the outflow of expenses, and ensuring that your business remains...

5 reasons South Africa needs more womenpreneurs

It’s no secret that women have had to fight harder than men to become a legitimate presence in virtually every aspect of business. Thankfully, the gender gap is slowly shrinking on the corporate side, with more female executives in the workplace...

South Africa: economic insights

Metals prices have dropped considerably: Financial market participants’ readjustment to the real economy, following a period of ‘panic’ and a high level of uncertainty, notably after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

How to determine the business internet speeds you need

The market size for Internet Service Providers (ISP) in America was over $133 billion in 2022. These ISP companies provide web access to both businesses and customers. They may also offer domain registration, web hosting, and much more.

Toyota South Africa :: National Sponsors of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to Toyota South Africa for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa. #SmallBizAwardsSA #LaunchMyStartUp

UPCOMING WEBINAR :: The future landscape of Employee Benefits

Wednesday, 31 August 2022 | 10:00 to 12:00 | Please join us for our second Leading Edge Insights Series Webinar, brought to you by Liberty Corporate and hosted by Business Journalist Alishia Seckam.

Profitshare Partners :: National Sponsors of Launch My Startup & the 2022 South African Small Business Awards

Congratulations to ProfitShare Partners for becoming a proud National Sponsor of two of the most powerful and meaningful initiatives in South Africa. #SmallBizAwardsSA #LaunchMyStartUp

6 steps to coaching your small business team

Have you ever thought of business as a team sport? Where you are the coach and your employees the athletes in your team? Let’s look at six steps to coaching your small business team to be the elite in your industry.

Now more than ever, cash-flow planning is king

The reason why cash-flow planning is so vital for owner-managers is because cash is such a limited resource inside a growing business. “This year”, says Jeremy Lang, Chief Investment Officer at Business Partners Limited...

Doing it all – what it took to get here! A letter to all young entrepreneurs

There’s no two ways about this. The path of an entrepreneur or business owner is not for everyone. But, if you think you have what it takes, I urge you not to let the chance pass you by.

The journey to financial freedom is a series of small steps

“It has felt like walking in the dark. I have stumbled multiple times, but I have learnt to fail forward. The best decisions I’ve made have stemmed from lessons I learnt from past mistakes.” Thandolwethu Ndlovu isn’t scared of failure.

How employee growth and development plans can help SMEs attract and retain top talent

For South Africa’s brightest youth, deciding which university to attend or where to live after completing their studies can be challenging. In the same way, choosing whether to work for a large corporate or an SME can be a difficult...

LIVE WEBINAR :: From B2B Gatekeeper to Decision-Maker

25 August 2022 10 a.m. SAST Don’t miss this chance to learn how identifying and accessing the right person can empower your sales conversations and marketing strategies

WEBINAR REPLAY :: How to create Magick in your business

Discover the mindset, mental strengths and strategies needed to grow your business in the next 12 months with Cobus Visser (\S/uperman of Africa, International Motivational Keynote Speaker).

Business Boost :: Are you ready for The Business Show :: Africa?

Starting out or wanting to grow a bigger and more successful business? Discover more about Africa's leading and most successful online expo for business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring small business owners here.

Put your business in the spotlight. Enter today!

Are you a small business owner or a mercurial entrepreneur in South Africa and are proud of your achievements? Why not enter the South African Small Business Awards and you could receive massive recognition for you and your business.

UPCOMING EVENT :: Register now for ecommerce LIVE

The NSBC invites you to SA's largest ecommerce event on 14 September at Sandton Convention Centre. 150 industry leaders will share insights on how to start or grow your ecommerce business. Entry is free using "NSBC" as the invite code.

The Business Show :: Africa 2022 – This is what you need for business success!

Twice a year, The Business Show: Africa elevates into a 3-day frenzy of business success webinars, incredible interactive exhibits, in-depth success insights and off-the-chart world-class networking – all in an amazing virtual environment.

Boost profits through workplace well-being

What do you look for in your employees? Would you like someone who is healthy, productive and engaged? Have you lost a lot of employees due to stress, burn out or dissatisfaction with their work environment? Then it is.....

How to write a great search ad to grow your small business

These days, most online brand experiences start with a web search. But how do you stand out to ensure that when people search for products or services like yours, they end up going to your website, and not someone else’s?

5 things to know about your small business and tax

With a bit of planning, you can avoid nasty tax surprises that may be lurking around the corner. Here are five tips to help your small business when it comes to tax planning:

Women in business: preparing the next generation – a father’s perspective

The month of August sees us celebrating Women’s Month and it is in this context that I want to provide some focus on the important role that women play in the business world and society.

A guide to choosing the right software for your small business

When it comes to digital transformation, the common narrative is that legacy technology and existing infrastructure investments prevent most businesses from taking the leap.

SA’s top 5 consumer trends and what they mean for your business

The customer of today has a number of concerns. Trust, values, and integrity issues are of the utmost significance in a world that is always evolving. But how does this affect the way they interact with your company?

Business Boost :: Mistakes, myths and some of the best advice for starting a business

In this interview, Mike Anderson (NSBC Founder & CEO) and Damian Schmidt (Mix 93.8 FM) discuss whether now is the time to start a business and how to ensure it succeeds.

UPCOMING EVENT :: The Business Show :: Africa 2022

This is what you need for business success! 31 Aug 2022 – 02 Sept 2022 Join thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs from all over South Africa for the entrepreneurial experience of the year. Register now, it’s FREE.

Will you be Access Bank’s 2022 Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton South Africa winner?

The South African programme is a women-in-business support initiative that offers the opportunity to progressive, motivated women of our country to pitch their business and stand a chance to win a financial boost.

Made by Mosaic – creating hope, one job at a time

In this interview, we find out more about Terry Niemack (Manager of Made By Mosaic), her business journey, and why she believes South Africa should support small business.

How to generate online word of mouth for your SMB

Your customers can share their opinions of your brand on their platforms which not only reach their friends but can be shared by their friends to their circle of friends. So, how do you generate beneficial word of mouth?

Time to take over

It’s time to take over. For every female entrepreneur who has had the courage to start their own business, it is time to build that confidence and ensure that your business soars to heights that can only be limited by your dreams.