Sage One Teams With ORT JET To Empower Small Businesses

Sage Pastel Accounting has teamed up with ORT JET- an initiative that focuses on helping Jewish entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses - to offer a 12-month subscription to the Sage One Accounting online software to qualifying members of the ORT community.

ORT JET is the enterprise development division of ORT SA -- a non-profit organisation that has operated in South Africa for 79 years with the vision of empowering people with the knowledge and skills they need for success. In addition to helping Jewish SMEs, ORT JET and ORT SA work together to bring their mentoring model to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.

The aim of ORT SA's partnership with Sage Pastel is to help small businesses in its programme to take charge of their finances as they grow into self-sustaining enterprises. It addresses the reality that many owners of small businesses do not have the right infrastructure and training to monitor their finances.

"ORT JET attracts small businesses and entrepreneurs, while Sage has an amazing financial tracking tool," says Sally Liebowitz, Financial Assessment Mentor at ORT JET. "Together we can help small businesses to monitor their performance and chart their route to success”.” Sage One Accounting has been supporting a few of the ORT JET businesses in the past year and the benefit they have received has been immeasurable”.

Sage One Accounting will empower business owners in the programme to take ownership of and responsibility for the financial health of their businesses. Sage One is easy to use and because it’s online, it allows small businesses to access their financial information 'on the fly' as a byproduct of them just doing their normal business transactions such as sales and purchases on the system.

She adds that ORT JET's mentors have found, through their experience of working with entrepreneurs, that many owners of small businesses need assistance when it comes to assessing and managing their finances. ORT JET's Bootcamp training programme helps these business owners to better understand the need for disciplined financial tracking.

The relationship with Sage One Accounting means that up to 70 Jewish entrepreneurs in the ORT JET programme and business owners from ORT SA's outreach communities will be given the tools they need to accurately record and monitor financial transactions over the next year.

Adds Steven Cohen, managing director of Sage One for AAMEA (Asia, Australia, Middle East and Africa): "Programmes such as the ORT JET Business Mentorship Programme contribute to a healthier business environment, in turn lifting employment and prosperity to the benefit of all South Africans. We’re proud to support an initiative that is helping diverse communities achieve personal growth, financial independence and sustainability."

Established Brands vs New Franchise Brands

Many entrepreneurs entering the world of franchising often find it challenging to decide whether to go with an established brand or throw their hard-earned savings into a totally new venture.

“The dilemma of staying with the tried and trusted or going with something new that seems to offer great opportunities is something many potential franchisees face,” Nyembe says.

“However, if you are considering a start-up franchise operation, it is best to spend some time doing research and also asking a few probing questions.”

Below are the six points to consider before signing a franchise agreement with a newly launched franchise:

It is an opportunity to invest in a new concept and fresh products

The concept and products may excite you, but you need to look at both with a critical eye. For example, you need to know who you are targeting with your product, the size of the market (especially in the area in which you would like a franchise), whether the market is sustainable and growing, whether the product will be well-priced enough, and who your competitors would be.

If the product is unique, you would be well-advised to do some of your own market research to see how it would be accepted in your area; ask friends and family for their opinions, and search the web to find out how it fared in other cities/countries.

Start-up costs will be lower

On the positive side, lower costs mean it will be easier for you to get into business. You will also have an opportunity to build the business and, if you should decide to sell later, you would make significant profit on your investment.

Against these positives you must balance several things. These include knowing exactly what your money is going to buy. If the start-up costs are low, check what you are getting for your money in the way of marketing, signage, decoration and merchandising support, and the levels of stock you will be supplied with.

Avoid making any decisions before you have fully answered these questions, otherwise you may face unexpected expenses for things that are not included or are hidden in the franchise contract’s fine print. Remember the business saying that “if something looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true”.

What the total running costs will be

Having decided that the start-up costs are attractive, it is time to dig deeper. Find out all you can about the royalty structure and what freedom you have when sourcing stock. If equipment or stock is supplied by the franchisor, find out how their prices compare to the market price for similar items.

Look for the unexpected in the contract. You may find that it is a requirement that premises are refurbished every few years and the franchisee pays the bill. Find out whether you are committing yourself to paying for ‘co-operative advertising’ in your area and have to contribute to the costs of national brand advertising.

What support are you being offered?

If you have never owned a business, it is important that your franchisor provides the training and support you require to get the business on a sound footing. Find out if there are training courses offered as part of the package, and check the type and level of support services. For instance, does the franchisor help with setting up proper HR procedures and training for staff? Do they have consultants ‘on standby’ to visit and advise you when you need help?

The location of your outlet and the size of your exclusive territory

If the new franchisor is intent on opening as many outlets as they can, you could find another outlet selling the same products opening up in your backyard. You will then have to compete for market share. Get the franchisor to set out the policy on this issue in writing.

The franchisor’s business record

When a franchisor is selling franchise opportunities, they will present the brightest picture possible about their business acumen and the products they have developed. Investigate whether their claims are true.

Check whether the franchisor has joined a recognised franchise association and is therefore bound to a code of conduct.  If the franchisor has not done this, ask why.

“Perhaps the most valuable investigation you can do is to find out where franchisees are already operating stores,” Nyembe says. “Ask these people about their experiences with the franchisor, the support they receive and where problems exist. If you have the time, spend a day or two at different outlets. The strengths and weaknesses of the franchise will then become apparent.” - destinyman.com

Johannesburg Startup Picnic To Bring Entrepreneurs Together

Picture this: You are watching your favourite soapie and a popular TV advert pops up encouraging 'goal getters' to presser, pusha, phanda.

While goal getters don't usually get the opportunity to mix and mingle, there will always be that golden moment which needs to be grabbed with both hands.

Jo'burg entrepreneurs are been presented with just the perfect opportunity to network, connect and learn with the return of the Johannesburg Startup Picnic.

Get your pen and scribble this date down. Its all happening on the 2nd of May 2015 at the luxurious Lido Hotel from 9am to 8pm. And judging by the success of last years event that was graced by 30 year old billionaire Irfan Pardesi, experiential marketer Busta Madiba and the inspirational Puseletso Modimogale, this years event is going to be a real knockout.

Startup Picnic is a series of casual, informal and fun networking events for established and aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity to unwind, make friends, get active, play games, absorb information and tie relationships. Startup Picnic attracts various entrepreneurship stakeholders and organisations, more specifically, angel investors, venture capitalists, accelerators and incubators.

In a press release sent by the organisers, the day will be kick started with a brief breakfast talk at 10 am, thereafter the picnic will commence. Expect, braai, music, games (5 aside soccer, sack race, table tennis, table soccer), networking and exhibitions.

The speaker for the breakfast talk is, Marumo Lekwankwa. Marumo hails from Jane Furse in Limpopo . He is a young transaction leveraging businessmen. He is also an investor with interest and experience in: commercial property, tyre franchise, construction, food retail/wholesale and the hair business.

Startup Picnic is brought in partnership with FRQNCY SA
< http://www.frqncy.co.za/ >, eKasi Entrepreneurs
< http://www.ekasientrepreneurs.co.za > (non profit), Skinny Sbu Socks
< http://www.skinnysbu.co.za >, W.E.Y Foundation (Women Emancipate Yourself)
(non profit) < https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=148578795320199 >, Im A
Kool Kid < https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=259913814051096 >,
www.tiisetsomaloma.com , Gushima < http://www.gushima.co.za >, Bula Buka
< http://www.bulabuka.co.za > and many others.

TWITTER: @startup_picnic < http://www.twitter.com/startup_picnic >
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/startuppicnic
< http://www.facebook.com/startuppicnic >
INSTAGRAM: @startuppicnic < http://www.instagram.com/startuppicnic >

**Contact
Nkeisi or Tiisetso
012 767 8084, 072 744 6142
info@startuppicnic.co.za
www.startuppicnic.co.za

Big Winners At SA Premier Business Awards

Glitz, glamour and good food met business last night at the third annual SA Premier Business Awards that were held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Business came out tops!

Keynote speaker, Cyril Ramaphosa, reiterated the need for businesses to serve a broader purpose rather than sorely chase profits.

"As you build your businesses, please consider how they can contribute to building social cohesion. Enterprise is not just an economic good. It is also a social good. Business is not solely about profits. It is also about serving a broader purpose,” the deputy president said.

He went on to declare that government would continue to strive to make it easier for companies to grow, to invest and to create more decent jobs for South Africans.

The South African Premier Business Awards recognise business excellence and honours enterprises which promote the spirit of success and innovation as well as job creation, good business ethics and quality.

These awards bring together all single sectored awards including, technology, manufacturing and women in business, among others.

Break down of 2015 Winners

Investor Of The Year: CCI Call Centres

Manufacturer Of The Year: Hazleton Pumps International

Young Entrepreneur: Sylvester Chauke from DNA Brand Architects

Proudly South African Enterprise: Little Green Number

Play Your Part Award: Access Advertising

Exporters Award: Canvas And Tent

Woman Owned Business: Ekurhuleni Artisans & Skills Training Centre

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Anna Mokgokong

Fancy Doing Business In China? Here Is A Tech Fellowship For African Women

She Leads Africa and Chinese mobile giant Huawei have announced an innovation fellowship program for African women tech entrepreneurs where they’ll jet off to the Huawei headquarters to learn from one of the world’s biggest tech company’s.

Applications are now open for the Huawei She Leads Africa Fellowship, taking place in August and coinciding with South Africa’s women’s month. From the 2nd to 7th August, fellows will visit the Huawei headquarters at Shenzen and then move on to the research and development centre in Shanghai to get a behind-the-scene’s look at the kind of innovation that goes into making Huawei products.

During this time, fellows also get to meet up with eastern investors, corporates and entrepreneurs with interests in doing business in Africa.

The program is open to women between the ages of 18 and 40 building tech-focused businesses on the continent. Applications close on the 30th April must be submitted on the She Leads Africa website.

In the meantime, She Leads Africa is also building up to its yet-to-be-announced second  pitching competition for women entrepreneurs where ten startups from African countries will compete for a grand cash prize.

1st For Women Gets Behind Women Entrepreneurs

According to the South African Women Entrepreneurs’ Network, approximately 70% of informal businesses in South Africa are owned or controlled by women. Good news, right?

Well, not if you consider that just 8% of SMEs in South Africa are owned by women according to the 2014 SME Survey.

This extreme informal-formal business divide is puzzling. What’s stopping women entrepreneurs from taking a step in the formal direction? Robyn Farrell, executive head of 1st for Women cites barriers including lack of financial resources, lack of networking opportunities and gender stereotypes.

"Our economy needs more women entrepreneurs to take the plunge. To break down these age-old barriers, women entrepreneurs need all the encouragement and support they can get," says Farrell.

One such event that does just that is Kamers vol Geskenke , a colourful celebration of local creativity, innovation and talent.

Kamers was established in 2003 and showcases over 200 traders, 95% of which are women, selling an array of handcrafted wares. This year, Kamers is proudly sponsored by 1st for Women Insurance.

1st for Women Insurance offers the following advice for women wanting to start their own business: Don’t be afraid to take risks. As author Erica Jong once said, "If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more."

Don’t underestimate one's entrepreneurial spirit. Any entrepreneur will say that if one doesn't believe in oneself, who will? 1st For Women recommends trusting one's instincts to bring one's business vision to life.

It’s not what one knows, but who one knows. Network, network and then network some more. When one is done, find a mentor – someone who has had success as an entrepreneur, someone inspiration and with who one can share ideas, get advice, learn and grow.

Rally a support network. One will have some bad days, and some good days, but at the end of the day, it’s good to know that one has supportive friends and family members that one can turn to for some much-needed encouragement. Think of them as one's own personal cheerleading squad.

Where there’s a will there’s a way. No one ever said that starting up a new business is easy. It requires determination, a change in lifestyle and stamina. What one puts in, is what one gets out though and by applying oneself, one will no doubt reap the rewards of success.

For more information about 1st for Women Insurance or to book tickets to Kamers vol Geskenke, visit the 1st for Women website .

Kamers vol Geskenke will take place in Johannesburg from Thursday, 23 to Monday, 27 April and in Cape Town from Thursday, 7 to Sunday, 10 May.

South African SME's Under Pressure To Use Technology More Effectively

South African SMEs are under growing pressure to use technology in more sophisticated ways to meet the expectations of their customers, reduce costs, and stay ahead of growing regulatory and tax compliance demands.

That’s according to Daryl Blundell, General Manager for Sage Pastel Accounting, who says that it’s more important than ever for SMEs to educate themselves about the latest technologies. “With the growing pace of change in society, business and technology, SMEs must integrate technology into their business to remain competitive,” he says.

“Their customers are online and demand even small businesses to have the ability to serve them using digital channels. Regulators and tax authorities demand prompt and accurate reporting. And in an uncertain economy, it’s more important than ever for smaller businesses to be lean, agile and smart in the ways that they do business.”

Today’s technology empowers small businesses to access new markets, drive costs out of their businesses, and improve relationships with their customers — helping them to boost their revenues and profits. Research such as a recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) study commissioned by Microsoft shows that ICT gives smaller businesses an edge, whether they are in developing or established markets. The study of 4,000 SMEs in the US, Germany, China, India, and Brazil found that entrepreneurs who were early technology adopters increased their annual revenues 15% faster than their competitors.

Blundell says that the challenge for SMEs is that they often don’t have in-house ICT resources to investigate and drive new technology opportunities for them. Furthermore, they lack the capital to build substantial in-house IT infrastructures. This leads to a misconception among SME owners and managers that technologies such as social media, analytics and the cloud are too
expensive and complex for their businesses.

But the reality is that powerful enterprise business applications, collaboration tools, reporting tools, and digital platforms are more affordable than ever before, says Blundell. Thanks to the rise of cloud computing, SMEs can choose from a wide range of affordable solutions that help them compete with large companies with big IT budgets, he adds.

“The industry shares some blame here because some vendors have focused too much on selling the technology and not enough on the underlying benefit,” Blundell says. “SMEs want solutions to business problems, such as keeping accurate financial records, getting visibility into business trends, and reaching new customers. The cloud puts affordable solutions to these business problems within their reach.”

Blundell says that the flexibility and simplicity of the cloud are among its most significant advantages for smaller organisations. It enables them to buy business applications as a service they pay for per month, rather than them needing to invest in software licences, servers and an IT department to keep everything running smoothly. It also gives them the ability to access their applications and data anywhere they have an Internet connection and mobile device or computer.

This eliminates much of the risk and complexity SMEs have come to associate with IT, Blundell says. “The cloud lets SMEs focus on the business outcomes technology enables, rather than the plumbing,” he adds. “Given their limited budgets and access to IT skills, every SME can benefit from technology that is simple to implement and use.”





By  Daryl Blundell, General Manager for Sage Pastel Accounting.