Starting a small business

A successful small business offers the rewards of earning income far in excess of a salary, the freedom to be in control of your own destiny, social status and the satisfaction of providing jobs for others. However, everything always seems easier than it really is, don't let your dream turn into a nightmare because you have not prepared properly. Most important of all; be quite sure that you will have enough paying customers for the foreseeable future, and that you can satisfy their needs consistently.

After planning it all properly, just do it! Use a checklist and start. Minimize the cost of setting up a business by choosing a "launch" date and ensuring that all the necessary elements are in place to start trading immediately. You do not want to pay salaries and rent for unproductive time whilst you are not earning revenue for the business.

South African Links

  • The Social Plan - Department of Labour
    The Social Plan is subject to the Labour Relations Act (1995) and the Code of Good Practice for Operational     Requirements (Government Gazette No 20254 of 16 July 1999). If the provisions of the Labour Relations Act and the Code have been taken into account, and if large-scale retrenchment cannot be avoided, assistance may be requested from the Department of Labour. This assistance includes information and services to retrenched workers and employers, aimed at absorbing retrenched workers into the labour market. If an employer contemplates large-scale retrenchments within a period of a year, the Minister of Labour should be notified as soon as possible. The employer and workers may then request assistance to prevent or minimise job losses from the Social Plan's Technical Support Facility which functions under the auspices of the National Productivity Institute (NPI).

  • Tax tips when starting your own business - My Own Business
    Kathy Thersby, editor of Moneyweb's Tax Breaks newsletter, offers some tips for those entrepreneurs just starting out

  • Getting your idea onto a firm footing and off the ground - My Own Business
    Most people think about securing external finance as the next step after conceiving their brilliant idea, there are actually a number of things that must be done first ­ namely, getting your idea onto a firm footing and off the ground.

  • Small Business Development Programme - Mondi Recycling
    Small Business Entrepreneurs are encouraged to start their own recyclable paper and board collection businesses. Mondi Recycling offers these entrepreneurs advice, training, equipment and ongoing assistance. The entire programme is aimed at creating informal employment for many people in local communities.

  • Braby's - Braby's
    Find what you need by searching Braby's 600 000 suppliers, including agents for premises, equipment, tools, furniture, material and employment agencies

  • SA JobWeb
    Employment and jobs for South Africa

  • Starting out - Planet pastel
    Useful articles on starting your business including myths about starting a business and start-up success.

  • Starting-up - MWeb
    Basics of starting and setting up of a business.

International Links

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