Inspiring stories of entrepreneurs – Arrero Car Cologne

Arrero Car Cologne was created by Lizelle Beukes in 2010 because of an interest in luxury, fashion, and fine fragrances. Current air fresheners lack masculine and feminine aromas, and far from resemble the average cologne or perfume. Using the highest quality oils available, and cutting edge technology, Arrero have designed a simple spray air freshener which delivers a designer fragrance. After 17 years in the corporate environment, Beukes decided to take the leap and go into business for herself. For the next six years, her most important skill was resilience. It has been a tough road with many hurdles but she has managed to stay ahead of business closure. Her very first challenge came when Arrero had just started and was registered as Carrero. Within a very short space of time, Beukes received a letter from one of the largest trademark attorney firms in South Africa saying that she was infringing on copyright.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamJanuary 27, 20170Comments

Initiatives & Movements Inspiration & Motivation Small Business Friday

Inspiring stories of entrepreneurs – Little Green Number

Juanita Van Der Merwe, founder of Little Green Number, was recently awarded the 2016 National Innovation Award at the South African Small Business Awards. Little Green Number is a social business that turns billboard waste into bags. The company has Community Based Micro Manufacturing Franchises (CBMMFs) all over Gauteng and they intend to take this national. They are passionate about eradicating poverty through social business principles: doing good, whilst doing good business. Their aim is to empower individuals through these CBMMFs, while building a profitable and sustainable commercial brand.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamJanuary 6, 20170Comments

Inspiration & Motivation Small Business Friday Uncategorized

Inspiring stories of entrepreneurs – SassyChic

SassyChic.co.za is an online women’s boutique with a fashion, lingerie and beauty product offering. It was started in 2011 by Roxanne Page and her mother and fellow entrepreneur, Karen Spies. Neither of them had any fashion merchandising or eCommerce experience, but have embraced all the learning opportunities SassyChic and the local fashion and online retail industry have afforded them.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamDecember 2, 20160Comments

Initiatives & Movements Small Business Friday SME News

Small Business Friday celebrates five years

South Africa’s biggest ‘Small Business Day of the Year’ turns five on 02 September 2016. The National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) and title sponsor, Nedbank, say that the launch of the Small Business Friday (SBF) campaign in 2012 was in an effort to draw attention to the important role entrepreneurship plays within the local economy and the need to grow the sector. Mike Anderson, NSBC Founder and CEO, says that the hope of SBF is to encourage the South African population to engage every Friday. 'By making a conscious decision to support a small business on a Friday, consumers are demonstrating a powerful commitment to developing the local economy. The official launch date will coincide with the arrival of Spring. Generally a ‘feel good’ time of year, we are aiming to infuse positive energy into the SME sector and publicly call all in South Africa to action in support of small businesses across the nation.'

ByNSBC Editorial TeamAugust 2, 20160Comments

Small Business Friday

Celebrating Ariston Global – As they grow, we grow

In order for a small business to be truly successful they need to be on top of their finances, tax, HR, payroll and in-line with legislation. In most cases, however, entrepreneurs tend to be experts in their own fields but lacking in these fundamental areas. Where larger businesses have entire departments devoted to strategic planning, legislative compliance and financial analysis, small businesses lack this access and these invaluable resources. This week we celebrate a small business - Ariston Global - who is playing a pivotal role in the success of many SMMEs by bridging this gap.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamMay 27, 20160Comments

Small Business Friday

Celebrating Sweet Temptations Toffees – From home kitchen to household name

With Mother’s Day just a few days away we thought it fitting to celebrate a small business that found its origins in the heart of a home (the kitchen), with a mother simply wanting to delight her children with home-made sweet treats. Sweet Temptations Toffees is the brainchild of Anita Labuschagne, a mom and budding entrepreneur based in Somerset West. Her award winning small business specialises in handmade gourmet toffees and luxurious nougats. With their use of top quality ingredients and their striking, beautifully hand-wrapped packaging, Sweet Temptations Toffees has become a recognisable household brand throughout South Africa.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamMay 6, 20161Comment

Initiatives & Movements Small Business Friday SME News

Celebrating Small Business: Oembotu Travel aka ‘The Johannesburg Squirrel’

Many of us have heard the saying, ‘From humble beginnings come great things.’ This is most certainly the case for Henri Otou and his business Oembutu Travel - a concierge, transfer and tour service in the heart of Johannesburg. For as long as he could remember, Henri has always been passionate about driving people to places. In 2002 during the World Summit in Johannesburg he was given the opportunity by the French Embassy to drive French VIPs around Gauteng and the North West. Six years later, what started as a hobby turned into a business and Oembotu travel aka 'The Johannesburg Squirrel' was born.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamApril 29, 20160Comments

Inspiration & Motivation Small Business Friday SME News

Celebrating Small Business: Cold Gold Artisan Ice-Cream & Sorbet

It has been said, ‘You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice-cream. And that’s kind of the same thing.’ This idea is at the heart of our featured #SmallBizFriday Business of the Week - Cold Gold Artisan Ice-Cream & Sorbet. Cold Gold creates speciality 100% natural ice-cream and sorbet. With over 800 flavours, free from preservatives, artificial flavouring, colouring and stabilisers, they also cater for a variety of dietary requirements including vegan, banting, low carb high fat, diabetic and paleo. This means that Cold Gold ice-cream truly is a guilt-free delight. What makes it even more noteworthy is that Cold Gold not only uses natural, local, seasonal ingredients but believes in supporting small local businesses, entrepreneurs and farmers as far as possible. Their aim is to empower them to grow their businesses as Cold Gold grows theirs.

ByNSBC Editorial TeamApril 22, 20162Comments