Starting
Register your company with CIPC, step by step
From name reservation to your CoR14.3, the full CIPC registration journey for first-time founders.
Playbook 6 min
Knowledge HubBusiness knowledge,
Business knowledge,
made for Mzansi.
Articles, checklists, playbooks and case studies across 13 categories. Bookmark what matters, come back when you need it.
Compliance
VAT registration, when (and when not) to register
You must register at R1m turnover, but voluntary registration starts at R50k. Here's how to decide.
Article 4 min
Funding
What SEFA actually looks for in a funding application
Inside the SEFA assessor's checklist, collateral, owner's contribution, viability, and the make-or-break documents.
Playbook 7 min
Finance
Why your business is profitable but broke
Profit is an opinion, cash is a fact. Diagnose the cash flow leak in your business in under 30 minutes.
Article 5 min
Marketing
The WhatsApp Business playbook for South African SMEs
Catalogues, broadcast lists, quick replies and templates, turn WhatsApp into your best sales channel.
Playbook 6 min
Sales
How to close deals without discounting
Five questions that move price-sensitive prospects into value-sensitive buyers.
Article 4 min
Operations
Customer onboarding SOP, copy this template
Standardise the first 14 days with a customer so nothing slips and every client gets the wow factor.
Toolkit 3 min
HR & People
Hiring your first employee, the BCEA checklist
From offer letter to UIF registration, the legal essentials so your first hire is bulletproof.
Checklist 5 min
Procurement & Tenders
Tender essentials, CSD registration and Tax Clearance
You can't win a government tender without these documents. Here's how to get every one.
Playbook 6 min
Leadership
Leading your team through a tough trading month
Three communication moves that keep your team motivated when revenue is down.
Article 4 min
Manufacturing
Pricing for manufacturers, beyond cost-plus
Cost-plus pricing leaves money on the table. Add these three layers to your pricing model.
Article 5 min
Export
Export readiness, the first 100 days
From ITAC registration to your first AWB, a structured plan to ship internationally.
Playbook 7 min
Industrialisation
How B-BBEE procurement spend can win you contracts
Big corporates need to spend with black-owned, EME and QSE suppliers. Position yourself accordingly.
Article 5 min
Compliance
POPIA essentials, what every SME must do
The Protection of Personal Information Act applies to you. Here's the lean compliance checklist.
Checklist 4 min
Funding
Equity vs debt, choosing the right funding mix
Cheap money has a cost. Understand the trade-offs before you sign any term sheet.
Article 5 min
Operations
Case study: How Thabo's mechanical workshop went from R80k to R450k a month
A real-world story of a Soweto-based workshop owner who systemised his operations and scaled.
Case Study 6 min
Marketing
Marketing on a R0 budget, the founder's playbook
Eight tactics that have built SA businesses without a single rand spent on advertising.
Playbook 5 min
Starting
Starting a side business with R5,000
What to spend it on, what to skip, and how to land your first paying customer in 30 days.
Article 4 min