A Fin24 user says he wants to build a health empire, despite facing financial hurdles and having to beat the fly-by-night stigma. He writes:
I run a medical supplies, consumables and disposables company called C1st Light EMS that I started in 2008.
I plan to one day grow my business into a multimillion rand company. I have a vision of having an all in one company that will boast a clinic, eye care, medical supplies, as well as an ambulance company.
However, truth be told, it is not easy running your own business. This is further compounded by banks, investors and financial institutions requiring a tonne of paperwork.
They ask for things that you have never even heard of before they can grant you a loan, yet it will cost an arm and a leg to repay.
One of the main challenges we face relates to ownership and size.
We have lost business in the past because clients are doubtful about black-owned micro start-ups. They may assume that we are just a fly by night company.
But I take each day as a challenge, appreciate all the clients that I have and we are still growing.
I have three full time workers and employ up to five part time employees.
In order to expand and grow, we are slowly saving up and increasing our clientele by providing a wider range of products.
We are also looking at other areas of the business that we can grow, while being mindful of areas that needs more attention.
In my opinion, the perfect examples of other medical/health firms are ER24 and St Johns Ambulance, including our competition.
If there is any one else out there with a similar experience or who is looking to start a business, my advice to you is keep your head up and work hard - the night is always at its darkest before the dawn.
- Fin24
* Share your experience of setting up a business or simply ask a question. Our business panel can put you on the right path.
I run a medical supplies, consumables and disposables company called C1st Light EMS that I started in 2008.
I plan to one day grow my business into a multimillion rand company. I have a vision of having an all in one company that will boast a clinic, eye care, medical supplies, as well as an ambulance company.
However, truth be told, it is not easy running your own business. This is further compounded by banks, investors and financial institutions requiring a tonne of paperwork.
They ask for things that you have never even heard of before they can grant you a loan, yet it will cost an arm and a leg to repay.
One of the main challenges we face relates to ownership and size.
We have lost business in the past because clients are doubtful about black-owned micro start-ups. They may assume that we are just a fly by night company.
But I take each day as a challenge, appreciate all the clients that I have and we are still growing.
I have three full time workers and employ up to five part time employees.
In order to expand and grow, we are slowly saving up and increasing our clientele by providing a wider range of products.
We are also looking at other areas of the business that we can grow, while being mindful of areas that needs more attention.
In my opinion, the perfect examples of other medical/health firms are ER24 and St Johns Ambulance, including our competition.
If there is any one else out there with a similar experience or who is looking to start a business, my advice to you is keep your head up and work hard - the night is always at its darkest before the dawn.
- Fin24
* Share your experience of setting up a business or simply ask a question. Our business panel can put you on the right path.