Setting SMEs Up for Success

South Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent more than 98% of registered businesses, employ between 50% and 60% of the country’s workforce, and are responsible for a quarter of job growth in the private sector^[i]. “It’s no wonder then that these companies are the country’s hope for economic recovery. But what is being done to ensure their success?” asks Andrew Hardie, Chief Executive Officer at Pay@ – a leading payment aggregator and provider of secure payment solutions.

South African SMEs have the highest failure rate in the world^[ii]. In fact, 70% to 80% of small businesses fail within five years^[iii]. Studies conducted by the Universities of the Free State^[iv], Limpopo^[v] and Cape Town^[vi] have found that a lack of business capabilities (including skills and tools) is one of the key reasons for this.

Hardie notes that while training is an essential part of overcoming this challenge, most businessowners simply do not have the time and means to upskill themselves. “However, both the private and the public sector are developing tools and resources to aid and empower SMEs.”

Hardie shares that Pay@ launched a solution for the sector last year called Yap which is an electronic bill presentment and payment tool for on-the-go invoicing and payment requests. Yap not only helps businessowners present single and bulk payment requests across multiple digital channels, but also enables them to collect payments across retailer and digital platforms. Yap also gives users access to reconciliation, settlement, and reporting services that are similar to those of far bigger companies with far more sophisticated bill payments environments.  Additionally, users can track the status of payments and have access to real-time transaction confirmation and notifications.

The CEO adds that Pay@ follows the SME servicing space with interest and notes other third-party service providers that are making a difference, including:

• Real Receptionist: Geared towards businessowners who don’t have the resources for a full-time receptionist, Real Receptionist answers calls on their behalf, freeing them up to focus on driving, attending to clients, or working. When a call comes through, it either gets transferred to the businessowner, or if they are unavailable, a message will be taken and emailed to them.

• LegitLaw: Created as a one-stop-shop for legal needs, LegitLaw is an automated technology system that allows users to file their trademark and patent online, draw up customised partnership and employment agreements, as well as draft day-to-day legal documents like wills. 

• Mobile Business Hub: The City of Cape Town has recently launched the Mobile Business Hub which will be visiting communities across Cape Town to offer onsite business support. The Mobile Business Hub will connect entrepreneurs and SMEs with city services to grow local business through support programmes as well as provide access to new markets and business development assistance. Plus, it will be used to facilitate programmes that promote investment, trade, and sector-specific training skills development.

“With tools like these and others helping businessowners, the future looks bright both for SMEs and the South African economy,” concludes Hardie.

For more information, go to https://yapit.co.za or  https://payat.co.za.