Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups in South Africa, particularly those struggling with finance, compliance, skills, energy, and competition.

 

Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups in South Africa, particularly those struggling with finance, compliance, skills, energy, and competition.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What effect do Trump's tariffs have on challenging the world order?

  Donald Trump’s tariffs, implemented during his second presidency (2025), have significantly disrupted the global economic order, challenging the post-World War II framework of trade liberalization and U.S.-led multilateral cooperation. By imposing steep tariffs—such as a 10% universal tariff on most imports, 25% on Canada and Mexico, up to 145% on China, and reciprocal tariffs as high as 54% on countries like Vietnam—these policies have strained alliances, triggered retaliatory measures, and accelerated shifts toward a more fragmented, multipolar world. Below is an analysis of their effects on the world order, grounded in economic, geopolitical, and systemic impacts. 1. Erosion of U.S. Leadership and Trust in Global Trade Trump’s tariffs have undermined the United States’ historical role as the architect and guarantor of the global trade system, particularly through institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO). The U.S. trade-weighted average tariff rose from 2% to an est...
Read more

The Value of Retired Senior Executives in Supporting South African SMEs

Image
  The Value of Retired Senior Executives in Supporting South African SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of South Africa’s economy, driving job creation, innovation, and community development. Yet, many SMEs face significant challenges, from navigating regulatory complexities to accessing funding and scaling operations. In a competitive and resource-constrained environment, could the expertise of retired senior executives be the untapped resource that SMEs need to thrive? Let’s explore the potential value of engaging these seasoned professionals and ask: Are SMEs in South Africa missing out on a game-changing opportunity? Why Retired Senior Executives? Retired senior executives bring a wealth of experience from years of strategic decision-making, leadership, and industry insight. Having climbed corporate ladders or built successful businesses themselves, they possess a unique blend of practical knowledge and high-level perspective. For SMEs, which often lack t...
Read more

Is online consulting effective for small business in South Africa, does the effect of technical skills affect its positive benefits?

Image
  Online consulting can be effective for small businesses in South Africa, offering affordable access to expertise in areas like marketing, finance, and operations, which is critical in a market where 70-80% of SMES fail within five years due to resource constraints. It enables businesses to connect with global or local consultants via platforms like Zoom or Upwork, bypassing geographical barriers and reducing costs compared to in-person consulting. Data from a 2023 study by the South African Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) indicates that businesses engaging consultants see a 60% improvement in operational efficiency on average, with online delivery making this accessible to remote or under-resourced areas. However, the effectiveness is heavily influenced by technical skills . Small business owners with low digital literacy—common in South Africa, where only 60% of SMES are proficient in basic tech tools per a 2024 World Bank report—may struggle to engage with online pl...
Read more