‘Big large accessible markets are the keys to successful SMMEs not clever ideas’ – expert

Loading player...
South Africa’s small businesses need to relook their target market in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is according to businessman and Custodian of Entrepreneurship at Stellenbosch University, Seraf Toefy, who was speaking to the OFM Business Hour regarding how small businesses can bounce back from this period of gloom in the global economy. Toefy says what matters is that you establish your business where there is a large accessible market as opposed to having a clever idea/product that caters to a small market.

“We don’t have to be first in a market. We don’t have to be unique. None of the biggest tech businesses in the world were the first of their kind, not Facebook, Uber or Amazon. They came afterwards and learned from the first guys and did it better”.

Toefy says with regards side hustles, it’s important to recognise that your side hustle can become your main hustle. ​
18 Jun 2021 12PM English South Africa Business · Daily News

Other recent episodes

UFS Business School: Your partner in lifelong learning

The UFS Business School is your partner in lifelong learning, offering flexible, industry-relevant opportunities that help individuals and organisations grow, lead and succeed. Taking you through the varied programmes and upcoming engagements is Prof MacDonald Kanyangale, Dr Cornelie Crous and Adele Louw from the UFS Business School.
5 Aug 4AM 10 min

Trusted Employer Scheme's second window opens

Government has officially opened the long-awaited second window for corporate employers seeking to become part of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), expanding the programme to create a faster, more predictable pathway for companies seeking to bring critical international skills into the country. Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, says this…
30 Jul 9AM 13 min

FNB explores South Africa’s retirement reality in survey

FNB Wealth and Investments has unveiled the fourth instalment of the FNB Retirement Insights Survey on the 16 June 2026 at the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. Now in its fourth year, the survey tracks how South Africans think about and plan for retirement, offering a comprehensive view of shifting perceptions,…
24 Jul 2AM 8 min