There are very few businesses that thrive ALL the time. Whether it's a slump in the market, increased competition or technical/operational issues. It's important to identify the problem, and then find someone who can help you solve it. This article helps you identify signs that your business is in need of assistance from mentors or consultants, and seek out that help.

With over 100 years collective experience between its members, the Institute of Inventors and Innovators has the know-how to advise and guide you on your venture of invention and innovation. Having been there, III understands the emotional and mental drain of trying to bring ideas to flourish, hence the establishment of the INSTITUTE OF INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS™. So if you are stuck and don't know how to proceed with your project and don't know how to take it to the next level take this opportunity NOW and contact the institute.

The Innovation Hub, the innovation agency of the Gauteng Province is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency. It was established by the Gauteng Provincial Government through its Department of Economic Development to promote economic development and competitiveness of Gauteng through fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) is an agency of the Department of Small Business Development. Seda was established in December 2004, through the National Small Business Amendment Act, Act 29 of 2004. It is mandated to implement government’s small business strategy; design and implement a standard and common national delivery network for small enterprise development; and integrate government-funded small enterprise support agencies across all tiers of government.

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.

In today’s challenging economic environment, mentors play a key role in growing businesses, supporting entrepreneurs and enabling SMEs to survive and flourish in tough trading conditions. Business Partners Limited, South Africa’s leading risk financier in South Africa, has witnessed businesses on the verge of bankruptcy recover, and be propelled to new levels of success as a result of some guidance from a mentor.

When starting your business, there are certain occasions when it's advisable to get professional advice. A lawyer, for example, can explain the conditions of your loan agreements, contracts and leases. On the other hand, entrepreneurs are at times so intimidated by certain processes that they hire professionals when they can actually do it themselves. So how do you know when it's best to call in an expert and when it's okay to do it yourself?

It's no secret that women often think and behave differently to their male counterparts and it's no different when it comes to business. It's one reason why you may want to consider finding for a female mentor. With so many successful women entrepreneurs out there and industries becoming more progressive in this regard, there is an abundance of women with experience in a range of industries. To keep these numbers growing, many women's organisations and associations provide mentorship programmes to help fellow women in business.

Fetola is a commercially driven social enterprise, dedicated to making a lasting and positive difference to the nation. It has grown from being a small consultancy company to a widely-recognised SME specialist with national reach. Fetola tailor-makes successful enterprise and supplier development programmes, and has done so for over 10 years. As a value-add, they also provide reputation and brand-building opportunities to their clients, using their in-house media team, sponsorship, and advertising solutions. Youth, women and SME audiences are their particular focus.

Business Partners Limited has compiled a list of institutions and training providers offering courses in business management and entrepreneurship, which should add value to someone looking to start or grow their small business. This list focuses on accredited courses. Full time, part time, distance learning, and even online programmes are included in this list.

Through financing small and medium enterprises over more than 37 years, Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) has built up an immense store of knowledge and expertise invaluable to any business. It has now found a way of giving South Africa’s entrepreneurs quick and free access to that gold mine of information and insight. The Entrepreneurs Growth Centre offers entrepreneurs business insights, solutions, and information.

Entrepreneur and Management Solutions offer a range of business development strategies and services to address all aspects of business and NPO start-up, operations, and growth. The company comprises of a team of Coaches, Financial Managers, and Accountants who collaborate with each client to improve their productivity, brand footprint, profitability, and to enhance their position in the business market.

When it comes to finding accurate information about starting or running a business, it can be hard to know who to ask or where to look. Reading the articles on this website are a very good place to start, but it can be even more valuable to find an expert who can give you face-to-face advice. A mentor can walk with you on your journey as a small business owner.

Subsequent to the Minister for Small Business Development (SBD), Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's announcement of the intervention measures in support of SMMEs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the "Guidelines for Application for the Debt Relief Finance Scheme and Business Growth/ Resilience Facility" have now been published.

Lucky Shabala is a Vereeniging based gaming business owner who entered the 2018 Business Partners SME Toolkit Business Plan Competition.

Black Umbrellas is an enterprise development incubation organisation partnering with the private sector, government and civil society to address the low levels of entrepreneurship and high failure rate of 100% black owned emerging businesses in the African continent. The programme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship as a desirable economic path, and nurturing 100% black-owned businesses in the critical first three years of their existence through the provision of nationwide incubators.

The Awethu Project is an innovative SMME investment company (and incubator) that flexibly and fluidly combines ideas, people, and capital in order to build the fast-growing SMMEs that Africa needs. Since its inception, the Awethu Project has incubated hundreds of entrepreneurs (ranging from informal traders to Black Industrialists, and everyone in between), gained international recognition, and continnues to use entrepreneurship to build a fair world in which every entrepreneur has the opportunity to realise their potential.

Entrepreneur and Management Solutions offer a range of business development strategies and services to address all aspects of business and NPO start-up, operations, and growth. The company comprises of a team of Coaches, Financial Managers, and Accountants who collaborate with each client to improve their productivity, brand footprint, profitability, and to enhance their position in the business market

Aurik is a business accelerator that builds successful entrepreneurial businesses. The company works with businesses and entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and profitability in order to build an Asset of Value. Aurik has, since its inception, worked with over 400 business owners to transform their businesses into Assets of Value.