Starting Your Own Business in South Africa? We’ve Been There.

Starting a business is like stepping into a new adventure—you’ve got some skills, but there’s a lot more to learn to make it work.

Maybe you’ve been working for a company for years, doing great in your job. But now, something has changed. Maybe you got retrenched, had a big idea, or simply want to be your own boss. Running your own business gives you freedom, but it also comes with challenges.

1.Things to Think About Before You Start

Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had thought about more carefully before starting my business:

What’s my game plan? Do I have a clear vision and strategy for success?
Do I have the right skills? Running a business isn’t just about your profession—it’s about handling finances, marketing, and operations.
Can I stay motivated? Being your own boss means managing your time, staying disciplined, and keeping yourself driven.
What’s my WHY? Understanding why you want to start a business will help you stay focused and build something meaningful. A great read on this is Start with Why by Simon Sinek.

2.Marketing Your Business

When I first started, I didn’t have a proper marketing plan, and that cost me time and money. To get it right:

Know your customers. Who are they, what do they need, and where do they hang out?
Have a marketing strategy. Will you use social media, ads, word-of-mouth, or something else?
Check out the competition. What are they doing right? Where can you stand out?
Ask for feedback. Talk to people who might buy from you to see if your product or service is what they need.

3.Managing Your Money

One of the hardest parts of running a business is managing cash flow. Unlike a regular job, there’s no guaranteed paycheck at the end of the month. Here’s what helped me:

Keep track of your money. Always know what’s coming in and going out.
Stick to a budget. A simple rule is:
- 50% for must-have expenses (rent, salaries, supplies).
- 30% for growth (new products, marketing, training).
- 20% for the future (investments, savings, business improvements).
Save for tough times. Try to have enough money to keep your business running for two or three months, just in case.
Get a good accountant. They can help you manage taxes and avoid financial mistakes.

4.Understanding the Legal Stuff

Starting a business in South Africa means dealing with some paperwork. Here are the basics:

Register your business. You can do this through the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission).
Sort out your taxes. Register with SARS (South African Revenue Service) and stay up to date with tax payments.
Know employment laws. If you hire people, you’ll need to follow labor laws and fair work practices.
Check industry rules. Depending on your business type, you may need special permits or licenses.

5.Where to Get Help

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. South Africa has many support systems for entrepreneurs:

Seda (Small Enterprise Development Agency): Helps with business plans and growth advice.
DTIC (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition): Offers funding and business support.
Incubators and business networks: Great for mentorship, training, and funding opportunities.

6.The Payoff

Running a business in South Africa is exciting but tough. There will be challenges, but also great rewards. You’ll grow, learn, and create something that’s truly yours.

And remember—you’re not alone! There are plenty of resources, experienced entrepreneurs, and networks ready to help.

At BBN Business Network, we connect entrepreneurs with the right tools and people to help them succeed. Visit our website to see how we can support your journey.

*Note: This article includes insights from the South African Government’s business startup guide.