Searching for VAT Survivors After a Bumpy Ride for Small Businesses

Each VAT debate risks becoming a road spike, not a revenue booster. As policymakers prepare for Budget 3.0, they must remember that SMMEs are not just line items, they’re the backbone of job creation and community stability. True survivors will be those spared from policy ping-pong, supported instead by clear and consistent VAT frameworks that empower rather than penalise the very businesses we rely on to drive South Africa’s economic revival...

4 May

Economic realities – workers and job seekers to consider entrepreneurship as the major economic driver

In a time where job security is no longer guaranteed and economic uncertainty is felt across industries, the need to rethink how we view employment - it has never been more urgent. While we continue to value traditional employment, it has become increasingly clear that the formal job market cannot absorb the majority of South Africans, a reality that calls for a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship...

24 Apr

Braids, Business & Freedom: What One woman Entrepreneur Taught Me About Resilience.

As we approach Freedom Day on April 27, Sibongile’s story reminds us that economic freedom is just as vital as political freedom. Her grandmother, who also braided hair, never had the opportunity to turn that skill into a business. “She couldn’t own a salon. She couldn’t register a company. I’m enjoying a freedom she was denied.” For many entrepreneurs, Freedom Day is not about formal celebrations, but about quietly acknowledging the right to build, fail, and rise again. They mark the day by mentoring others, investing in their communities, and reflecting on their journey...

14 Apr

Unlocking Market Access for Africa’s Small Businesses: The Road to Growth

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which commenced trading in 2021, represents a historic opportunity to unite 1.3 billion people under a single market with a projected GDP of $3.4 trillion. However, SMMEs’ ability to participate meaningfully in this transformative trade framework remains constrained by systemic barriers, particularly access to finance, market readiness, and operational scalability...

3 Apr

The ‘Mob of Public Opinion’ in the Age of Entrepreneurship

For businesses navigating the volatile digital landscape, the key lies in strategic social media management and proactive crisis planning. Research suggests that organisations should implement clear social media policies, train employees on ethical engagement, and prioritise transparency in communication. A 2015 study by Dijkmans highlights how companies that actively manage their online reputation and foster genuine consumer relationships are more likely to withstand public scrutiny...

19 Mar

South African Entrepreneurship Culture is Skating on Thin Ice

So, what’s next for South Africa’s aspiring innovators? Some say it’s time for a bold cultural reset. A rallying cry to not only fix our roads and buildings but also to rejuvenate our collective belief in the power of Ubuntu and the culture of our entrepreneurship, from early childhood in townships and rural areas, to institutions of higher learning, and business incubation hubs...

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay informed and receive timely updates on startup huddle industry events, business incubation opportunities, office space rental and more. Whether you're at ideation phase or an established entrepreneur, our newsletter has information you can use to succeed. Become a member of our startup community today!

About Us

22 On Sloane is the largest startup campus in Africa. The campus offers disruptive startups and innovative SMEs a complete turnkey solution to scale, from the initial idea all the way to commercialisation, funding opportunities and access to markets. Its aim is to nurture the entrepreneurial mindset, ensure their sustainability, and explore development of new industries and contribute towards job creation in Africa.