
Small businesses are a big business in South Africa. They represent 98% of all businesses in the country and generate just over R2 trillion turnover annually in the formal business sector. It's no wonder SMMEs are referred to as the engine of the country's economy.
The provincial government of Gauteng has also realised the significance of small businesses, specifically small enterprises operating within townships. The value of this township economy is estimated at R200 billion from the economic contributions of a variety of small businesses like the 30,000 spaza shops across the province.