In South Africa there is high unemployment rates and poverty amongst a large part of the population. Entrepreneurship is identified by National Government and various research programs such as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) as a possible solution to the above socio-economic problems hampering economic growth of a developing region. It is however very difficult to start and grow a business that can last over time. This research report investigates the major problems associated with business sustainability of SMMEs and provides strategies for businesses to stay operational over time. The main aim of the study is to establish determinants of sustainability and reasons for success of SMMEs, based on a sample of small companies in Lesedi, Gauteng. Suggestions are made based on their unique experiences. The empirical study was conducted by means of a field study using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by the Cronbach alpha coefficient of the constructs. Data from 52 SMMEs were collected and analysed. The results indicate that most SMMEs in Lesedi are struggling to make profit and are generally unsustainable by measuring up the results against elements identified within the literature review. A total of 100 businesses restricted to Lesedi municipality in Gauteng were visited in the process of collecting the peer-aided questionnaires. The biggest problems of SMMEs in the sample were: gross profit control, marketing, strategic management, inventory control, information management, staff development, expense control, sourcing funds, time management and financial management. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

In South Africa there is high unemployment rates and poverty amongst a large part of the population. Entrepreneurship is identified by National Government and various research programs such as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) as a possible solution to the above socio-economic problems hampering economic growth of a developing region. It is however very difficult to start and grow a business that can last over time. This research report investigates the major problems associated with business sustainability of SMMEs and provides strategies for businesses to stay operational over time. The main aim of the study is to establish determinants of sustainability and reasons for success of SMMEs, based on a sample of small companies in Lesedi, Gauteng. Suggestions are made based on their unique experiences. The empirical study was conducted by means of a field study using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by the Cronbach alpha coefficient of the constructs. Data from 52 SMMEs were collected and analysed. The results indicate that most SMMEs in Lesedi are struggling to make profit and are generally unsustainable by measuring up the results against elements identified within the literature review. A total of 100 businesses restricted to Lesedi municipality in Gauteng were visited in the process of collecting the peer-aided questionnaires. The biggest problems of SMMEs in the sample were: gross profit control, marketing, strategic management, inventory control, information management, staff development, expense control, sourcing funds, time management and financial management. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Agriculture, which includes all economic activities from the provision of farming inputs, farming and value adding, remains an important sector in the South African economy. In Limpopo Province, most of the agricultural land is embedded within the rural areas and agriculture is practiced at a small scale. Though government development programmes are put in place to promote entrepreneurship, most agribusinesses are still encountering challenges that stagnates entrepreneurial activities. The aim of the research study was to develop an entrepreneurial framework to enhance the agricultural sector within the Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality (GSDM), which is an identified nodal point by government. In order to encourage more farmers or people to start their own agribusinesses this study was conducted in five municipalities of GSDM: Elias Motsoaledi, Fetakgomo, Makhuduthamaga, Marble Hall and Tubatse. A stratified random sampling was used and 54 farmer entrepreneurs participated in the survey. Farmers that are supported by the provincial department of agriculture through development programmes and those that are actively participating in agricultural activities within the identified municipalities took part in the study. Entrepreneurial levels amongst the farmers were assessed as well as the problems that they believe hinder entrepreneurial spirit within the district. The survey findings revealed that most farmer entrepreneurs are in the age group of 40 to 59, have mostly four to five children and have completed Grade 12. The majority of the agribusinesses operate under a mixed farming system comprising both livestock and crop production. Most have been in business for more than five years. Motivation into self employment include the need for independence, need for challenge, existing opportunities, need high job security, insufficient family income, role models and difficulty in finding jobs. Impediments to entrepreneurship have been indicated as follows: Lack of education and training, limited competency in managerial expertise, inadequate entrepreneurial services, inaccessible and distant markets, lack of infrastructure, financing, lack of business network, and limited access to information. Since this study aimed to develop an entrepreneurial framework to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship, the following recommendations were made based on the findings of the survey: • Enhance the environment for entrepreneurship by creating the right culture and conditions for entrepreneurship. • Create the right agricultural entrepreneurial policy. • Invest in a high quality, integrated system of support services. • Foster entrepreneurship education at all levels to ensure capacity building for diverse enterprises. • Strengthen business to business networking opportunities. • Monitor and evaluate entrepreneurship support interventions. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

Agriculture, which includes all economic activities from the provision of farming inputs, farming and value adding, remains an important sector in the South African economy. In Limpopo Province, most of the agricultural land is embedded within the rural areas and agriculture is practiced at a small scale. Though government development programmes are put in place to promote entrepreneurship, most agribusinesses are still encountering challenges that stagnates entrepreneurial activities. The aim of the research study was to develop an entrepreneurial framework to enhance the agricultural sector within the Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality (GSDM), which is an identified nodal point by government. In order to encourage more farmers or people to start their own agribusinesses this study was conducted in five municipalities of GSDM: Elias Motsoaledi, Fetakgomo, Makhuduthamaga, Marble Hall and Tubatse. A stratified random sampling was used and 54 farmer entrepreneurs participated in the survey. Farmers that are supported by the provincial department of agriculture through development programmes and those that are actively participating in agricultural activities within the identified municipalities took part in the study. Entrepreneurial levels amongst the farmers were assessed as well as the problems that they believe hinder entrepreneurial spirit within the district. The survey findings revealed that most farmer entrepreneurs are in the age group of 40 to 59, have mostly four to five children and have completed Grade 12. The majority of the agribusinesses operate under a mixed farming system comprising both livestock and crop production. Most have been in business for more than five years. Motivation into self employment include the need for independence, need for challenge, existing opportunities, need high job security, insufficient family income, role models and difficulty in finding jobs. Impediments to entrepreneurship have been indicated as follows: Lack of education and training, limited competency in managerial expertise, inadequate entrepreneurial services, inaccessible and distant markets, lack of infrastructure, financing, lack of business network, and limited access to information. Since this study aimed to develop an entrepreneurial framework to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship, the following recommendations were made based on the findings of the survey: • Enhance the environment for entrepreneurship by creating the right culture and conditions for entrepreneurship. • Create the right agricultural entrepreneurial policy. • Invest in a high quality, integrated system of support services. • Foster entrepreneurship education at all levels to ensure capacity building for diverse enterprises. • Strengthen business to business networking opportunities. • Monitor and evaluate entrepreneurship support interventions. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration)--Cape Technikon, Cape Town, 2003 / Unemployment has economic and social effects. The main social threat is the stability of the family as an economic and social unit as family relationships suffer should basic needs not be met. The most practical way to combat this problem is through entrepreneurship, where small medium and micro enterprises can address issues such as job creation and economic growth. These enterprises are of particular importance to government and donors resulting in numerous studies being done in especially urban environments. Rural areas have, however, been neglected, owing to the lack of knowledge, funds and initiatives on the part of local authorities. Rural development differs from urban development owing to smaller markets, seasonal fluctuations and slower growth rates, especially in coastal towns. This study was therefore undertaken to provide guidelines to local authorities and community leaders, specifically in Hermanus, to enable them to support local small businesses. As a first step, existing government policy and strategies were investigated (Chapter 2), after which available assistance, on government and non-government level, was discussed (Chapter 3). The Department of Trade and Industry is the main role player in terms of small business development There are also institutions providing financial assistance (for example Khula and the Industrial Development Corporation), institutions providing services (such as NEPA, SABS and CSIR), and finally, institutions providing indirect support (such as SACOB and DBSA). Hermanus as the basis of the study has certain poIicies in place, namely the Integrated Development Plan, Spatial Development Framework and two tourism-related studies (Chapter 4). Individual interviews were held with certain role players in the area (Chapter 5) which resulted in the following: • Role players are not aware of government initiatives in terms of small, medium and micro enterprises in the region. • Role players are unsure if hives/craft: markets could contribute to job creation. • Role players are concerned about job creation but not through small, medium and micro enterprises as a vehicle. Chapter 6 concludes with two success stories, namely Stutterheim and Melkhoutfontein, and provides broad guidelines in terms of small business development in Hermanus.

Magister Commercii - MCom / One major contribution to entrepreneurship in the past decade is the introduction of social media, which has changed the way in which businesses are operated. It is argued that using social media has signalled a departure for many businesses from the tradition of word-of- mouth advertising of products and services. Furthermore, it has been suggested that social media has become a crucial mechanism of promoting products owing to its potential of reaching many people as well as being cost effective. Following this line of thought, it can be argued that social media platforms can revolutionize communication among individuals and businesses by increasing their networking circle. This study aimed to establish how female- owned Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the fashion retail sector in Cape Town use social media for both business and social networking purposes. The study used a qualitative research design where data were collected through semi-structured interviews and unobtrusive methods. These techniques were preferred because they allowed for an in-depth understanding of social media networking strategies. The findings highlight that social media contributes towards enhancing the existing business networks and the working activities of the female entrepreneurs; with both weak and strong ties playing a vital role towards cementing these connections.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play a significant role in an economy. Thus, governments all over the world concentrate on the development of the small business sector to endorse economic growth. SMMEs are a large contributor to the creation of job opportunities, improvement of the economy, and promote the effective use of regional resources which leads to the engineering of economic development and growth. SMMEs are an important source of jobs, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation and are thus vital to promoting competitiveness. However, despite the noted contribution of SMMEs, in many countries they face serious constraints, often resulting in failure. The constraints and economic environment have significant and unequal effects on SMMEs in different industries and in different locations. Constraints have been used, amongst other growth factors, to understand why some SMMEs fail to grow.This study lays the foundation for understanding the concept of SMME growth. SMME growth was examined in detail, and found to be heterogeneous in nature. The variation in measures used in SMME growth studies, the variation in growth indicators, the variation in the measurement of growth over time, and the variation in the characteristics of the SMMEs are all important features of SMME growth as a phenomenon. SMME growth models were examined to further understand why some firms survive and grow, and others fail. The models examined the problems SMMEs experience at different stages of growth, and the actions to be taken to overcome them as they progress from one stage to the next. Four growth models identified in the literature is discussed: stochastic models of firm growth, the resource-based view of firm growth, the motivation view on organizational growth, and the life cycle view of firm growth. The study then discussed the concept of constraints to growth, and conducted a literature review on the effect of some factors that act as constraints to SMME growth. It was concluded that constraints have a negative effect on SMME growth. The study also discussed various theoretical models on the financing of firms, starting with the traditional concept of the financial behaviour of firms. The relevancy of trade-off theory, agency theory, and the pecking order theory to SMME finance and capital structure is also examined. The theories explain the financial behaviour of enterprises, taking into account their different characteristics and problems. It is suggested by the theories that internal sources of finance such as equity, retained earnings, and venture capitalists represent the cheapest and best source of SMMEs capital structure. The study applied a quantitative research survey. The approach enabled the determination of the factors acting as constraints to SMME growth, and examination of how SMMEs could overcome these constraints to survive and grow. The approach chosen aims at investigating the moderating effect of microfinance on the relationship between financial constraints and SMME growth. The primary aim of this study was to explore and investigate the factors acting as constraints to SMME growth. The study investigated the effect of nine types of constraints on SMME growth namely: lack of access to finance, lack of skilled employees, competition, corruption, lack of professional financial advisors, lack of clear business plan, government rules and regulations, lack of awareness of financial services and assistance, and lack of government support. The study also empirically examined the moderating effect of microfinance on overcoming, avoiding or mitigating the financial constraints to SMME growth in South Africa, particularly in the province of the Western Cape. In order to assess the aim of the study, five secondary objectives were developed. The objectives were subdivided into seven hypotheses. The study found evidence that the lack of skilled employees, competition, corruption, lack of awareness of financial services and assistance, lack of professional financial advisors and lack of access to finance were significant constraints to SMME growth in South Africa. An important contribution this study makes is that microfinance provides a way to overcome or mitigate financial constraints for SMMEs. The negative effect of a lack of professional financial advisors and the lack of access to finance is reduced when SMMEs make use of microfinance source. As such this is an important finding that adds to existing studies on the role of constraints as well as to the literature on entrepreneurship in developing economies. However, contrary to the study hypothesis, microfinance does not moderate the relationship between the lack of awareness of financial services and assistance, and SMME growth. This can be attributed to the important role that has to be played by the microfinance institutions (MFI) and government agencies in ensuring that procedures are simple, financial products are demand driven, and clear and brief financial information is provided. These results imply that microfinance can play a positive role in SMME growth particularly for SMMEs that experience financial constraints. The study also suggests that MFIs and government agencies should provide more information to the public in particular to SMMEs. This study is not without its limitations. Firstly, the study is based on the province of the Western Cape, of South Africa. In a South African context, with its two tiered economy, the Western Cape is perceived to be a "developed" economy as opposed to other developing African countries. Further studies can be conducted in other countries or can include samples from other provinces to compare the results. Secondly, as this study provides only a measurement at one moment in time, we are not able to establish causal and longitudinal effects. However, the sample size of this study is favourable in comparison to other recent studies, and thus provides extended validity. Future studies that apply longitudinal designs are needed to establish the causality of the relationships found in this study.

Assessing the causes of SMME learner drop-out and attrition in the national rollout of the Productive Capacity Building Programme (PCBP): A Case StudyThe aim of this evaluative research study is to investigate the causes of learner dropout and attrition within the national rollout of the Productive Capacity Building Programme PCBP of the National Productivity Institute (NPI). This study is undertaken using a case study format with particular interest in the behaviour of adult learners within the context of a learning environment as well as particular interventional measures that could be undertaken by adult educators and facilitators in retaining adult learners within contact training programmes. The research study not only has internal validity in terms of the PCBP training programme operations but also contextual importance for long distance education, e-learning, other modes of learning delivery as well as the larger human resources development (HRD) domain. The ultimate objective is to minimize PCBP training costs resulting from adult learner attrition and the failure to meet training targets. A survey population comprising sixty (x60) small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) learners who attended PCBP training is selected using simple random sampling. The study is undertaken using case study format from a learning practitioner’s perspective. Utilizing a questionnaire instrument and interview method, the survey population is interviewed through a qualitative research method. Historical training statistics as well as post-implementation training statistics resulting from the application of recommendations are stratified and compared. Qualitative data collection methods such as observation, interview and documents are utilized. The study ends with recommendations for business application and the practical effects brought about by the implementation of initial recommendations.An analysis of recommendations indicates that adult learner dropout within the PCBP training programme is minimized through the introduction of adult learning principles within the delivery of the programme.

Fashion entrepreneurs with no formal fashion-related education or training are hereafter referred to by the acronym FEWFFET (fashion entrepreneurs without formal fashion-related education or training). Entrepreneurship provides a feasible means of employment in a country where national unemployment rates are alarmingly high. To succeed, entrepreneurs require business knowledge and skill to operate profitable and sustainable businesses. However, entrepreneurs who were previously disadvantaged often possess only low levels of education, limited qualifications and training. This applies to survivalist fashion entrepreneurs in the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) who produce various items of apparel and clothing. Over a third of these entrepreneurs are not formally educated in business management and may not possess the adequate knowledge to operate their fashion business successfully. The research aim was to investigate the uses and challenges pertaining to business skills amongst FEWFFET to determine their business skills training needs. The sample population included 105 black fashion entrepreneurs, operating micro, survivalist enterprises within peri-urban, resource-poor communities in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) of Sedibeng, Gauteng. A quantitative study using non-probability purposive sampling and snowball sampling was performed. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted with respondents at fabric and haberdashery stores or within their home-business environments. The results indicated that respondents lacked business plan development skills and showed only moderate skills in finance and marketing. Respondents indicated business skills training needs for developing a business plan, conducting basic bookkeeping, determining correct product pricing, drafting quotations and invoices, developing a budget, conducting basic market research and advertising their products and services / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The potential for tourism to contribute to the economy of South Africa has been embraced by the new democratic government for a lengthy period. In order for government to benefit fully from tourism, it has charted out strategies and policies to make tourism grow and for communities to also benefit from the activities emanating from tourism. Although these measures to support the growth, development and sustainability of tourism SMMEs are in place, implementation remains a challenge. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the growth and development strategies have been implemented in Limpopo province to support the sustainability of Tourism SMMEs in Polokwane. This is done through the interogation of the literature to determine the major objectives of the tourism growth and development strategies in Limpopo Province, the challenges faced by tourism SMMEs and also to gain feedback through empirical studies on the effectiveness of, and support of the Tourism Growth and Development Strategies.