"Five things SMMEs need to know" as told by and SMME owner

By SA Franchise Warehouse -
Dr Sibongiseni Tunzelana
Photo credit: http://www.cput.ac.za/blogs/
bulletin/2015/03/05/mover-and-shaker-returns-to-cput/
Around the world, the development of small businesses has been identified as a major potential driving force in the growth of a country’s economy and South Africa today is no exception. Against this background, a successful business owner and founder, Dr Sibongiseni Tunzelana, shares some of her experiences in starting and eventually operating a successful business. This will give aspirant owners of local small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) insights on getting started. 

In 2011, Tunzelana together with Matsepo Matloporo Africa founded Flavalite Innovations, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider. The company specialises in innovative ICT services and focuses specifically on digital innovation, digital analytics, cyber security, e-ticketing and e-commerce. Having proved its potential in the local ICT space, the company was welcomed into the Innovator Trust Enterprise Development Programme.

Tunzelana says, “Since joining the Innovator Trust’s Enterprise Development Programme, the company has received guidance and mentorship which has been instrumental in improving the profile of Flavalite Innovation. Through this process we have improved our sales presentations, refined our sales pitches and been linked with Corporate buyers. This has created valuable investor leads and business opportunities. In addition, the company has continued the development of skills and capabilities which have allowed us to streamline and optimise business operations.”

She outlines the following five tips for SMME business owners to factor into their planning: 

1.    How to choose a business incubator

Tunzelana advises, “It’s a great advantage to your fledgeling business to find a mentoring partner that fits the profile of your particular business. This results in more informed business decisions.”
  • The Small Business Connect website lists a number of business incubators in South Africa.
  • Useful information about the South African business start-up ecosystem is available on Ventureburn.
The Innovator Trust also partners with Kulea, Shanduka Black Umbrellas, Raizcorp and GIBS, among others.


2.    Do your research

SMME owners should be aware of the legal compliance requirements, which guide the operation of businesses in South Africa:

  • Registration of companies, co-operatives and intellectual property rights (trade marks, patents, designs and copyright) and the required maintenance;
  • Compliance with relevant legislation;
  • Monitoring compliance;
  • BBEEE Affidavits; and
  • Tax clearance certificates. 
Information sources for documentation, business processes and legislation affecting SMMEs include:

3.    Get the right partner on your side

The following companies and organisations offer support for SMMEs, from tailor made services and solutions to training and skills development.   
4.    Networking

Tunzelana comments, “For small business owners in particular, the importance of networking cannot be emphasised enough. The following events, groups and forums suit the ICT business.”
5.    Mobile presence and Cyber attacks

A mobile presence is extremely important to small businesses, especially with increased mobile access to the internet in South Africa. With this, of course comes the increased risk of cyber attacks. Tunzelana comments, “As businesses, big and small migrates data to the cloud; financial data, customer details, and other sensitive information becomes an opportunity for cyber criminals.”

Poor security and a lack of awareness and training can leave SMMEs ill-prepared for attacks, making them "easy pickings" for cyber criminals. To avoid this:
  • Secure your data – and don’t forget about your customers;
  • Control access, but don't overdo it; and
  • Stay up to date with current trends around connection, and safety issues.
“As an SMME, you need to engage with the right organisations and individuals, to help you steer towards the right direction. My experiences and views on the challenges and benefits of being an entrepreneur in the South African financial ecosystem, guide and inform every decision I make for my business,” she concludes.

The rules of the “game” are changing daily, and the successful SMMEs are not the most pedantic, they’re the ones who are willing to throw out the rule book and go against their theoretical knowledge when a new or a better way of doing something comes about.

About the Innovator Trust
The Innovator Trust was formed to grow small black-owned businesses in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and to help develop competent SMME’s through training, skills sharing and infrastructure support. As such, the company has partnered with other incubators who have experience and knowledge in this field, to help grow SMME entrepreneurship and make a real impact in the ICT SMME sector over the next 5 years. The Innovator Trust’s mission is to provide a tailored development programme for selected, established small businesses in the ICT sector. Through training, mentorship, networking and infrastructure support the Innovator Trust is helping to create ICT leaders of the future. For more information please visit http://www.innovatortrust.co.za/, or find the Innovator Trust on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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