Resources for returning visitors to start up a small business in South Africa

by Fred Roed on 24/11/08 at 9:48 pm
11 comments

I got this email a while back:

Hi Fred

After living in Europe for 7 years (UK & Germany) I’ve had a few good business ideas for South Africa. I was just wondering if you help with that at all? Advice, where to go, funding etc.? I’ve now had enough of Europe and want to head back to SA but I want to make a difference with something I’m passionate about. I don’t just want to “exist” if you know what I mean!

Regards,
Talitha

The email gave me the idea for this post, so here goes. A list of resources for ex-pats yearning to be returning. Basically, a guide on how to get yo frozen ass back in sunny SA and start changing the world, small business-styley. Since I’m limited in my time and knowledge, this can be a community effort. I’ll start the list, and you, Ideate readers, can add to it with your comments, suggestions, links and shameless self promotion…

Get psyched

Getting started

Banks with a decent small biz focus

FNB
ABSA

Community and Business advice

Recruitment and HR issues

Networking

Accounting and Finance

I need help here…!

Getting Investment

Marketing Communications

Graphic Design Freelancers and Design Resources

Printers

Eclipse Print (Cape Town)

Website Designers and Web Marketing

Ok, now your turn. Just please note that this is not an opinion piece, so be nice…

Fred Roed is the marketing guy in the Ideate crew. He runs a web marketing company called World Wide Creative and loves writing about people out there doing marketing right. View more articles by Fred Roed.

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11 Responses to “Resources for returning visitors to start up a small business in South Africa”

Bruce Wade

Nov 25th, 2008

Fred
Great idea, thanks for including us on your list. Please add the following from the HEP Crack Squad.
Labour & Legislation – http://www.bizneeds.co.za
Marketing – http://www.oaktreemarketng.co.za
Graphics and Web design – http://www.nbmedia.co.za
Incubator – http://www.HEPincubator.co.za

So come home all you frozen butts, the sun is out, the sea is warm and our economy is growing. Welcome home.
Skout™

Nov 25th, 2008

thanks for ’spreading tha luv’ – you rock!
graeme

Nov 25th, 2008

Hi check this site out:

It deal more with personl finance but lists small business accounts and will allow you to apply for your bank accounts before you get home.

http://www.justmoney.co.za

SA banks are some of the most stable in the world at the moment, so even if you are not heading home just yet, why not get an SA based savings account and rest easy.
Jo from Freelancentral

Nov 25th, 2008

Hi Fred – thanks for the mention

I’d just like to add that the 3,500 freelancers registered on Freelancentral offer not only graphic design services but also marketing strategy, copywriting, web design and development – and much more. Great for start-ups who don’t want to hire people permanently but would rather contract them on a needs basis.

Cheers, Jo
Sally Kruger

Nov 25th, 2008

Hi Fred

Bruce did mention me under his crack squad for “labour and legislation”, but I would like to add that I could most certainly slot in under your “Accounting and Finance” heading as well. I provide a single source accounting and HR solution specifically for SMME’s, with an emphasis on helping small business owners and entrepeneurs ensure that they comply with all the necessary legislation and therefore are safe from nasty encounters with SARS and/or the CCMA!

Thanks for a truly awesome, positive website.
Sally
Robert Jewell

Nov 26th, 2008

Dear Fred

There is talk of many ex pats wanting to return home to avoid the global financial meltdown. Whilst we are not immune, the interest policies of the SA Reserve Bank and the Credit Act helped to limit the exposure here. Some helpfull resources are:
SA Revenue Service http://www.sars.gov.za which has a Tax Guide for Small Business which deals with many non-tax issues as well. In January 2009 Accounting for Entrepreneurs is launching a series of workshops including titles such as Business planning, Business start-up (legal structure, taxes, working with a partner), Basic Business accounting (how to keep score, effortless accounting and admin) and topics for more established businesses such as profitability analysis, cash flow and financing, and business turnarounds. Our website is being developed and will have loads of informative and educational content for the growth and development of entrepreneurs.

Thanks for your excellent work. Kind Regards Robert
Ryan Ferreira

Nov 28th, 2008

Here are guys I’ve used in CT, and been very happy with:

http://www.mysastartup.com/2008/11/advisor-recommendations-from-cape-town.html

Thanks Fred – good post yet again!

Ryan
Jed

Dec 1st, 2008

how about this for photographers:

http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za – excellent resource and place for networking with very good photographers who are always keen to provide advice and assistance when they can.
Alastair

Aug 30th, 2009

As and active/passive, investor/partner I have private funds to invest in small businesses. Is there a section where business owners and entrepreneurs in need of funding advertise their requirements and ideas?
Fred

Aug 31st, 2009

Hi Alastair, not on this site, but keep reading since loads of readers ask in the comments for investment of their ideas. You can also try and keep track of things at http://www.smallcapital.co.za
Good luck,
Fred
Phill Reynolds

Jun 14th, 2010

Fred,
Another super article – these budding entreprenuers will also need access to the internet and telephony services. A great way to ensure ROI for any business is to reduce costs as much as possible.
This Group article will explain a sure fire way to do this..
http://groups.google.com/group/wirelessdataservices
Dr.Phill