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A Fin24 user writes:
Having read your article entitled R1bn earmarked for SME development, I must admit that I cannot help but feel distant. Is it possible for me, as the owner of a small IT consulting and training business, to benefit from these kind of developments?
I would love this small business of ours to grow, but capital funding and expensive marketing costs are keeping us, well, small.
We have a level 4 BEE rating. We have been in business for 20 years, but remain a small, focused company with only five employees.
We have expert knowledge (seriously – especially in advanced IT networking infrastructure), and all kinds of Microsoft certifications, but we have been unable to launch those big service level agreements that will enable us to spread our wings.
Yes, I’m a bit desperate. Or let’s rather call it determined - I’m determined to make this business fly. I know this country needs us - but are they aware of us? I just need a nudge in the right direction.
Our experts respond:
One has to do better than a level 4 BBBEE rating to get that kind of funding, says MindPilot’s Bertie du Plessis.
“My guess is that you need marketing savvy more than money. Talk to a marketing expert in the IT field.”
Ian Reid of Platinum Black suggests that the user approach Business Partners because “they KNOW your business because they deal in the SME environment ALL the time”.
Quoting Business Partners’ CEO Christo Botes, Reid says the company recognises that “SMEs are key drivers of wealth and in order to improve the country’s economic situation, these businesses need to be supported”.
The issue is not that entrepreneurs do not have access to funding, but the fact that many believe the “hoops” are too high to jump through.
This is not correct, says Reid.
“Contact Business Partners – Christo Botes personally if necessary (he is a really nice, practical, down-to-earth chap – promise)...
“And then do the ‘business’ side of your business.”
Reid says Business Partners will assist, “or contact us – Platinum Black works very closely with them - to outline what you will do with the finance, the extra jobs created, and the value you would add to the economy in the long term - and hey presto, you become part of the funded future of the country”.
According to Reid 93% of businesses fail within the first 10 years, so “you are way ahead of the game”.
So if the user follows good business principles and his business is benefittng the economy, Platinum Black recommends that he approach Business Partners.
- Fin24
Share your experience of setting up a business or simply ask a question. Our business panel can put you on the right path.
Having read your article entitled R1bn earmarked for SME development, I must admit that I cannot help but feel distant. Is it possible for me, as the owner of a small IT consulting and training business, to benefit from these kind of developments?
I would love this small business of ours to grow, but capital funding and expensive marketing costs are keeping us, well, small.
We have a level 4 BEE rating. We have been in business for 20 years, but remain a small, focused company with only five employees.
We have expert knowledge (seriously – especially in advanced IT networking infrastructure), and all kinds of Microsoft certifications, but we have been unable to launch those big service level agreements that will enable us to spread our wings.
Yes, I’m a bit desperate. Or let’s rather call it determined - I’m determined to make this business fly. I know this country needs us - but are they aware of us? I just need a nudge in the right direction.
Our experts respond:
One has to do better than a level 4 BBBEE rating to get that kind of funding, says MindPilot’s Bertie du Plessis.
“My guess is that you need marketing savvy more than money. Talk to a marketing expert in the IT field.”
Ian Reid of Platinum Black suggests that the user approach Business Partners because “they KNOW your business because they deal in the SME environment ALL the time”.
Quoting Business Partners’ CEO Christo Botes, Reid says the company recognises that “SMEs are key drivers of wealth and in order to improve the country’s economic situation, these businesses need to be supported”.
The issue is not that entrepreneurs do not have access to funding, but the fact that many believe the “hoops” are too high to jump through.
This is not correct, says Reid.
“Contact Business Partners – Christo Botes personally if necessary (he is a really nice, practical, down-to-earth chap – promise)...
“And then do the ‘business’ side of your business.”
Reid says Business Partners will assist, “or contact us – Platinum Black works very closely with them - to outline what you will do with the finance, the extra jobs created, and the value you would add to the economy in the long term - and hey presto, you become part of the funded future of the country”.
According to Reid 93% of businesses fail within the first 10 years, so “you are way ahead of the game”.
So if the user follows good business principles and his business is benefittng the economy, Platinum Black recommends that he approach Business Partners.
- Fin24
Share your experience of setting up a business or simply ask a question. Our business panel can put you on the right path.
