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small businesseslatest news & developments
Small businesses are central to South Africa’s economic resilience and recovery and corporates should work with them. Photo: David Harrison/M&G
BIG BUSINESS

Why big business needs to rethink its relationship with SMMEs

Corporates must partner with small enterprises to foster economic growth and innovation, moving beyond charity to strategic collaboration and inclusive supply chains

  • Matsie Mpshe
3 min read
Traditional banks need to figure out a way to serve small businesses.
AFRICAN ECONOMY

How banks can better serve small businesses in Africa

Traditional banks must work on customised products and services that address their unique needs, potentially through partnerships with fintech

  • Pierre Romagny
5 min read
ACCESS TO MARKETS BOOTCAMP
Video

CCBSA drives economic growth and youth empowerment across South Africa

The two pillars of employability and entrepreneurship are the framework for our economic inclusion strategy

  • CCBSA
3 min read
Simone Cooper, Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank
AFRICAN SMES

Standard Bank’s R2 billion loan injection helps SA’s small businesses beat load-shedding and build solid futures

By helping SMEs finance their generators and solar power, they remain sustainable and productive

  • Standard Bank
3 min read
ACCESS TO FINANCE

Empowering marginalised entrepreneurs: A vision for inclusive economic growth

It is essential for SMEs to access finance, mentorship and market opportunities

  • Nduli Media
2 min read
Makgosi Mabaso, Managing Executive: Home and Business Solutions at Telkom Business, speaking at the Blaze with Telkom Business Conference.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Technology is key to SME success, says Telkom Business

Choosing the right partner is vital for digital transformation and to enable small businesses to join the burgeoning e-commerce market

  • Telkom Business
3 min read
(John McCann/M&G)
16 JUNE

‘Only entrepreneurship can save the youth of South Africa’ from rising unemployment

The latest official data shows that youth unemployment rose by 1.1% and almost a quarter of a million young people lost their jobs in the first three months of 2023

  • Mandisa Ndlovu
3 min read
Many people lack reliable electricity, clean water and adequate housing. When the state fails to provide these services, rights such as dignity, equality and access to healthcare are undermined. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
ALEXANDRA

Alexandra businesses struggle amid power outages as City Power cuts off non-payers

Some businesses have closed while others have had to let employees go because they cannot afford to pay them

  • Mandisa Ndlovu
4 min read
The former president has called for the movement of people and goods between South Africa and African states to be easier
ANC SECRETARY GENERAL

Motlanthe: We are too quick to suffocate small businesses with taxes

Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has said that a way to help solve the unemployment crisis is to give small businesses breathing room

  • Anathi Madubela
3 min read
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas), has hit out at the ban. (File photo/MG)
AFRICAN SMES

South African SMEs should gear up for the new normal

A volatile business environment means that smart SMEs must position themselves to change as required.

  • Jason Mellow
4 min read
Covid hampers were distributed by charities at the Iterileng informal settlement in 2020, but the government failed to respond structurally to the pandemic. (Photo by Marco LONGARI / AFP)
ACCOUNTABILITY

Sona 2022: Tell us what’s happened, Mr President

The president needs to report back to South Africa on what his government has – and hasn’t – achieved since 2018

  • Rebone Tau
6 min read
MEDIUM TERM BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT

Mid-term budget: Nothing for small and medium enterprises but they fight on anyway

SMEs are investing in their growth at a rate we’ve never seen before. That is resilience. It is also a sign of the pent-up growth just waiting to explode into our economy — if…

  • Miguel da Silva
4 min read
The 2021 July riots were the most widespread, coordinated, and visible instance of looting in South Africa.
ZUMAUNREST

R1.5bn in funding approved for riot-hit businesses

Agencies emphasise that speed is crucial to rescuing firms affected by July’s unrest

  • Sarah Smit
2 min read
Where is the money without equity for startups?
EQUITY

Open letter to South African funding houses

Where is the money without equity for startups?

  • Ben Sassman
4 min read
Driving change: Adriaan Turgel with one of the cars he is importing from China. He is a big electrical vehicle enthusiast, but is frustrated by local policymakers’ failure to promote this technology. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
BATTERY MANUFACTURING

Electric vehicle battery manufacturing: Why SADC needs to act now

All the minerals are here, so a golden opportunity exists if our governments provide incentives

  • Edem Foli
5 min read
It is important in this Covid-19 era that we reflect on the kind of resources we have at our disposal, especially our bank accounts, to ensure that they continue to play a supporting role on the journey forward
SMALL BUSINESSES

Cheque value bundles – real value

Most people do not pay much attention to what bank account they have and whether or not it is suited to their daily realities

  • Special Reports
3 min read
Your Rewards Account is easy to access through one of our self-service channels, including the Absa Banking App, Absa Online and Cellphone Banking (USSD)
SMALL BUSINESSES

Absa Rewards puts cash in your pocket

In addition to the cash benefits, you will receive special offers and exclusive deals from selected Absa Rewards partners

  • Special Reports
4 min read
Don’t approve any requests on your phone if you haven’t been transacting yourself: it may be a fraudster on the other end of the line
SMALL BUSINESSES

Eleven ways to protect yourself against fraud

While financial services firms work continuously to improve security, fraudsters are always devising new plans to circumvent the latest safety measures

  • Special Reports
3 min read
Rise Uniforms pivoted as the Covid-19 crisis hit and began making PPE
SMALL BUSINESSES

The rise and rise of Rise Uniforms

‘If you can’t take a risk then you’re not an entrepreneur, and you might as well get out of the space’ says Ntombekhaya Nonnxuba

  • Thalia Holmes
5 min read
Small businesses can apply for a loan from the DSBD
SMALL BUSINESSES

How to get R7 000 government funding for your spaza shop or traditional grocery store

The Spaza Shop Support scheme allows for your business to access a R3 500 working capital injection and an additional R3 500 in revolving credit

  • Thalia Holmes
5 min read