Business Categories

More than two million emerging businesses in  South Africa are expected to benefit from a recently launched initiative by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aimed at increasing access to support and training. Women, youth and people with disabilities who start-up businesses in townships, rural areas and the inner city are eligible for support by way of skills development, allocation of promotional material, and product improvement. However, many people who are unable to find gainful employment dismiss the alternative of starting a potentially successful business venture. While they may be well-regarded as enterprising individuals, it is quite common to prefer seeking employment, or further study, as a stepping stone to later independence; their initial hesitation may also be about financial factors or a lack of self-confidence to pursue a career as a business owner. Yet those that are willing to take a risk to embark on setting up a new venture will immediately face some of the many dilemmas that will arise during their future entrepreneurial lives.

• How do I manage the demands of creating a new venture?
• How do I deal with the responsibilities of being an owner and a manager?
• How do I create a balance between work and family commitments?
• How do I secure support for the business?
• How do I manage the various sections of the business?
• How do I cope with set-backs?
• How do I deal with regulatory bodies?
• How do I manage cash flow?
• How do I build credibility with the bank and with suppliers?
• How do I raise finance to cover high up front costs?
• How do I sell the product?

The following BIZculture business categories are intended to help entrepreneurs “discover” new ventures.