While the thought of starting your own business may be exciting, it can also be intimidating – even for someone with a successful business career behind them. The good news is that, by following a few basic rules, it's easier to start a business than you think – and the chance of success is much greater. Here are some steps to follow if entrepreneurship is where you want to go.

As your company expands, there are business assets that you will need. For starters, you might need to purchase an additional vehicle for your business. Having an extra company car can make it easier for your employees to run their business errands without causing delays for anyone else in the business. However, buying a car without financing can leave a dent in your business cash flow. Luckily, with vehicle and asset finance your business should afford a car of your choice. Here are a few helpful tips on financing a business vehicle.

The constant evolution of technology and advances in online capabilities has meant that there is very little we can't do over the internet. A huge number of entrepreneurs are starting online businesses; and while this could be a great way of getting into business for oneself, it's by no means easy to make a success of it. The virtual world has created a whole new pool of potential customers and if you're starting an online business or think your existing business could do well online, here's a rough guide to getting started.

Buying a business is an alternative way to get into business with less risk than normally associated with a start-up venture. But there are still many factors you have to consider before signing on the dotted line. This article looks at those factors as well as why buying an existing business may be better for you than going the start-up route. Either way, getting professional advice is essential, as this will help you cover the unknown aspects of the business venture you are pursuing.

About 75 percent of start-ups and 90 percent of tech start-ups are doomed to fail. Too many wonderful ideas never make it past the initial stage, and many that do lose momentum and die an untimely, soon-forgotten death. Avoid these common mistakes that can lead to a new business closing down soon after it started. Don't become a statistic.

After much soul-searching, you’ve decided that you want to open your own guest house, boutique hotel or B&B. There are many factors to consider, such as where your business will be and who your target market is, but much of these decisions will be based on your budget, so that may be a good place to start. Here are just some of the costs associated with setting up a new accommodation business.

The manufacturing industry is not typically seen as the most environmentally friendly business sector. But the industry is, however, moving in the right direction. This is a big win for the industry, as it improves the carbon impact on the environment. Running an eco-friendly business is about trying to reduce the amount of waste you produce, as well as the water and energy consumption in your business operations. If you are operating in the manufacturing industry, here are ways to make your processes eco-friendly.

While access to finance is often quoted as one of the great challenges for small businesses, they also cite the need for non-financial support. Incubation, mentorship and access to business management service providers are just some of the services these kinds of initiatives can provide. Here is a list of small business incubators and support programmes geared towards assisting small businesses.

Goal-setting is crucial to the success of any business, but is particularly important for entrepreneurs who can become distracted without focus. Goals direct actions, give you something to aim for, and can serve as a yardstick for measuring your business' success. The way you approach goal-setting will determine whether you are able to attain your goals. That said, if you tend to avoid goal-setting, these tips should help.

The Companies Act provides for two categories of companies, namely non-profit and profit companies. Each of the different business entities under these categories has specific requirements in terms of the documentation that is required. There are five types of companies that you can register. However, for the purposes of this article, we will look at how to register a private company (a (Pty) Ltd), which is the most common and simplest form of company to be registered.

Of Course You Can! is a practical guide to starting and managing your own successful business in South Africa, written by Brian Adams. The book covers terminology; swot analysis; taking your idea to market; image and branding; banking and finance; statutory returns; working from home; and so much more. The book also provides notes pages, as well as space to complete self-assessments on some of the material.

If you're thinking about starting your own business, there are a number of questions you have to ponder before you can even start the process. These questions range from "Can you afford to start your own business?" and "Do you have the support of your family?" to "Do you have the necessary skills and experience?" and "Will the business yield adequate income?"

Ok, so you have a great idea. In the early hours of the morning this idea has the potential of Google as it floats around in your semi-sleep state. You wake up and write it all down with flow diagrams and income streams all neatly defined. Now what? Taking an idea from concept to reality is what makes us Entrepreneurs. Here are some simple questions to explore when next you have an entrepreneurial epiphany. Knowing the answers to these questions will assist in placing your concept on the road to reality.

While the world sat in silence and witnessed the onslaught of economic devastation during the global lockdown, South-Africans in excess of three million, were left unemployed after a mere six months of stringent lockdown regulations. As businesses scaled down or closed shop, those left in the trenches of the aftermath, were forced to stand up and restart.

For many, holiday seasons bring plenty of inspiration, and often lead to creative new business ideas, innovative concepts, and the jotting down of plans on restaurant napkins. According to Gugu Mjadu – Executive General Manager for marketing at Business Partners Limited – although these concepts always seem ground-breaking, the real trick is deciphering whether these ideas can be turned into viable business proposals. Inspired business ideas are only the beginning of a potential business venture. Here are some steps to consider to establish whether your idea is viable

Whether you’re a South African entrepreneur researching how to register and start your own security company in South Africa or an established security business looking to get all your paperwork in order, this article is for you. We will show you everything you need to ensure your security business is legally registered and ready to trade or apply for security tenders, contracts, and RFQs in South Africa.

Want to know how to start a construction company in South Africa and more specifically what documentation you need for construction tenders and contracts? This article helps you identify the documents you need and where to get them, whether you're an informal business wanting to step it up a notch (by employing staff and applying for RFQs, tenders, and contracts) or an entrepreneur looking to start a new construction company in South Africa.

In this article, the experts at Pty Company Registration touch on all the must-have documentation you need to start a successful cleaning company in South Africa that’s legally registered and eligible to apply for Tenders – whether you’re aiming for private, commercial or government contracts. To simplify the list, we’ve broken this article into two sections – Section 1: General Documentation every South African business needs, and Section 2: Documentation South African cleaning companies need for contracts.

Starting and running a guesthouse or bed and breakfast in an idyllic location is a dream that many people share. It is seen as an attractive alternative to corporate jobs because it is considered to be less stressful, less structured, and more peaceful. However, it is as carefree as it seems. This article looks at three tips to help you start and run a successful guesthouse or B&B.

Having a well-defined brand strategy early on (and including as many stakeholders as possible in those decisions) will act as a roadmap for growth and will prevent you from having to spend a lot of money and time later redefining your brand. But what is a brand strategy? You just get someone to design a logo, decide which colours you like and roll out your marketing material, right? Unfortunately not. Branding is so much more than putting your logo on things. Here are some tips for creating an effective brand strategy.