INSIDE YOUR BUSINESS - Are traditional banks still the best option for securing business funding?
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GUEST - Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
As South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape evolves, so does the conversation around access to funding. In 2025, with the rise of venture capital, private equity, and alternative finance platforms, many entrepreneurs are asking: are traditional banks like Standard Bank still the best option for securing business funding?
In today’s discussion, we aim to unpack whether banks truly understand the unique challenges faced by SMMEs, how they are adapting to the needs of a modern, diverse entrepreneurial base, and where they stand compared to private funding houses. We'll also explore how entrepreneurs should prepare themselves before seeking bank finance, common pitfalls to avoid, and when it might make more sense to choose a bank over venture capital or vice versa.
As South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape evolves, so does the conversation around access to funding. In 2025, with the rise of venture capital, private equity, and alternative finance platforms, many entrepreneurs are asking: are traditional banks like Standard Bank still the best option for securing business funding?
In today’s discussion, we aim to unpack whether banks truly understand the unique challenges faced by SMMEs, how they are adapting to the needs of a modern, diverse entrepreneurial base, and where they stand compared to private funding houses. We'll also explore how entrepreneurs should prepare themselves before seeking bank finance, common pitfalls to avoid, and when it might make more sense to choose a bank over venture capital or vice versa.