Starting Your Own Business in South Africa: Your guide on how to start your own business

starting your own business

Here are 6 steps that are required to start your own business. Take one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to successful small business ownership.

 Step one: Do Your Research

Most likely you have already identified a business idea, so now it’s time to balance it with a little reality.

Identify the need of that business idea

There are a number of ways you can identify this need, including research and even trial and error. As you explore the market, ask your self the following questions:

  • Is there a need for this product or service?
  • Who needs it?
  • Are there other companies offering similar products or services?
  • What is the competition like?




Step two: Make a Plan

You need a business plan in order to make your business idea a reality. A business plan is a blueprint that will guide your business from the start-up phase through establishment and eventually business growth, and it is a must-have for all new businesses. How to write a business plan

Step 3: Plan Your Finances

Starting a small business doesn’t have to require a lot of money, but it will involve some initial investment as well as the ability to cover ongoing expenses before you are turning a profit.

How to fund your business?

You can finance your business by any or all of the following ways:

  1. Fund your startup yourself.
  2. Pitch your needs to friends and family.
  3. Applying for a Business loan
  4. Finding your business through crowdfunding
  5. Apply to local angel investor

Investors invest into things that they know and understand, only talk to investors who know your industry. Conversations with anyone else are unlikely to be productive. You also want to do some research into your investor. To fnd out What does an investor really want to see from your business pitch read more




Step 4: Register Your Business Name

Your business name plays a role in almost every aspect of your business, so you want it to be a good one. Once you have chosen a name for your business, you need to register it. Click here for a step by step guide on how to register your business

Step 5: Set Up Your Business Location

Setting up your place of business is important for the operation of your business, whether you will have a home office, private office space. You will need to think about your location, equipment, and overall setup, and make sure your business location works for the type of business you will be doing.

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