M.Tech. / Women in South Africa account for more than half the population, yet traditionally have been excluded from the formal environments of business. Women entrepreneurs in play a critical and important role in the economy and their contribution is limited to more traditional businesses such as crafts, hawking, personal services and the retail sectors. For women entrepreneurs to contribute positively to the South African economy, the environment in which they operate needs to be understood. Women business owners are faced with many challenges iv that hinder their success. The objective of this study is to identify and investigate the success factors and relevant barriers facing women entrepreneurs and to determine to what extent these barriers affect their success to starting, managing and growing their ventures taking into account their bio-graphics.

The research aims to determine the obstacles that BEE mining entrepreneurs face at the growth stage of their business. The objective of the study is to gain insights into both internal and external factors, identify common obstacles which have not been identified elsewhere. The study was a qualitative study where twenty BEE mining entrepreneurs were interviewed. This entailed face to face interviews where themes were recorded and analysed. The interview entailed semi structured questions, where interviewees were asked about obstacles both in the external and internal environment, experienced during the growth stage. In terms of the results many obstacles were identified. The obstacles that BEE mining entrepreneurs faced at the growth stage, ranged from access to finance, regulatory obstacles, lack of skills, infrastructure, unrealistic expectations, economic factors and political factors.Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

This diploma thesis is dedicated to marketing of start-ups and the most frequent mistakes they make in this field. The goal of this thesis is to propose recommendations for start-up founders which could help them avoid mistakes while building their business. The thesis is divided into three parts. The first part defines the concept of start-ups, explores their history and introduces the main issues start-ups have to deal with in the field of marketing. The second part contains interviews with start-up founders, employers and investors. The third part identifies the main problematic areas of start-ups' marketing and introduces recommendations and best practices for start-up founders, which is supposed to increase their chances to build a successful company.

Ecopreneurs are those entrepreneurs who sell green services or products, for profit. The research on this sub-category of entrepreneurship is still in its infancy, especially in South Africa. The focus of this study is to undertake research to understand the motivational drivers of ecopreneurs, why they decide to start and run their green businesses, and if and how that may differ from the general population of entrepreneurs. The findings in this research report will be compared to the existing body of literature on ecopreneurial motivations outside of South Africa.This research project comprises ten in-depth interviews with ecopreneurs in South Africa. Ecopreneurs were interviewed face-to-face, in an unstructured format. Secondary sources of data such as printed marketing material and company web sites were also collected.The research found that ecopreneurs in South Africa were motivated by ten factors, in order of prevalence: passion and meaning; identifying a gap in the market; values; money; disruption and change; independence; family-related motivators; dealing with pleasant people; vision and the least prevalent, work-related motivators. Ecopreneurs and entrepreneurs appear to have quite similar motivations, aside from their passion and values. Their economic motivations were found to be secondary to other motivations like passion and values.There was a lack in diversity in the sample and the country context of South Africa influences the results.This is the first sample of ecopreneurs of its kind in South Africa and given the gaps in the literature, especially in South Africa, a total of ten suggestions were made for future research. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

This study examined marketing communications in South African microenterprises. Large organisations normally engaged in marketing activities to support their growth and success. With microenterprises, a type of small business, touted as having a critical role to play in the development of South Africa’s economy but failing to live up to that expectations the purpose of this study was to explore and gain a preliminary understanding of the perceptions and understanding of the importance and the use of marketing communications by microenterprises in South Africa.Micro-entrepreneurs around Gauteng were identified as the population to be studied and from that population, micro-entrepreneurs who work with MEDO were identified as a sample. Using a questionnaire, data was collected from owners of microenterprises and analysed to arrive to findings outlined below:An overwhelming majority of the owners of microenterprises have a positive perception towards marketing communications. They believe it can play a vital role in the growth and success of their businesses. However, it was interesting to note that again a majority of them did not understand the concept of marketing communications. What was also interesting was that they were prepared to learn more about the concept because they believe it can make a difference to their businesses. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Background: This study explores the significance of ICT on the capabilities of unbanked MSE entrepreneurs in Lesotho. MSE entrepreneurs are the primary source of income for their families, especially in the context of developing countries. Accordingly, MSEs are fundamental instruments for economic growth, poverty alleviation and source of employment in developing countries. Hence, the country that invests in this business sector is a step closer to accomplishing its MDGs. Purpose: The study explored and empirically assessed the influence of mobile payments among MSE entrepreneurs through a capabilities lens. Given that MSEs are crucial for developing countries, the targeted participants were MSE entrepreneurs from diverse trading industries in Lesotho. Research methodology: The methodology for this study was qualitative. Exploratory and descriptive research methods were used to evaluate the influence of mobile payments on the capabilities of MSE entrepreneurs. This study adopted Kleine's Choice Framework to explore and empirically assess the benefits of mobile payments among MSE entrepreneurs. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and field notes and analysed using thematic analysis. Key Findings: The findings revealed the use of M-Pesa within the MSE sector enabled microentrepreneurs to accomplish their goals. The findings show that M-Pesa leads to the growth of MSEs. Therefore, entrepreneurs in the MSE business sector are capable of providing food, shelter and clothes for their families through income generated from their enterprises. Additionally, MSE entrepreneurs bank, transfer and receive money through accessible and available mobile payment platforms. However, these entrepreneurs face issues such as network failure, withdrawal amount limits and security risks while using mobile payments. Value of the study: The study contributes to the existing ICT4D and mobile payments literature in Lesotho by discussing the influence of mobile payment through the Choice Framework.

Owing to the lack of information and guidelines currently available for technology entrepreneurs, establishing Fintech start-ups in South Africa is challenging. The current literature on Fintech does not provide information highlighting ways in which technology entrepreneurs can establish and sustain Fintech start-ups, nor does it discuss the relevant skills required or the potential entry barriers for Fintech start-ups in the South African context. The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that make Fintech startups successful, highlight the barriers faced by Fintech startups, elaborate on the skills required, and create a conceptual framework based on the research, that will guide technology entrepreneurs towards successful venture creation. A qualitative research methodology was used in this study using a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions as a research instrument. Financial Capital, Adherence to Regulation and Customer Centric Platform Development were some of the key findings related to establishing and sustaining Fintech start-ups in South Africa. Costly and scarce skilled resources and regulation barriers were some of the contributors to the failure of Fintech start-ups in South Africa. The government needs to assist where they can from a regulation perspective and provide more support to Fintech start-ups. Tax rebates for Fintech start-ups would also help these start-ups survive in South Africa. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Informatics / MCom / Unrestricted

The purpose of the study was to address the question: Does Township Tourism contribute to the South African government's strategic goals for the tourism sector? A qualitative case study was done in the two Cape Town townships, Gugulethu and Langa to identify and interview a number of Township Tourism Entrepreneurs (TTEs). Selected works of C.M. Rogerson are used as a framework to compare these TTEs, to those studied in a number of other townships in South Africa. Rogerson described TTEs as having identified an economic opportunity and categorised them as Opportunistic Entrepreneurs, who share numerous qualities with white Lifestyle Entrepreneurs, such as being approximately 50 years old, predominantly females, who use their own funding to start accommodation businesses in picturesque rural towns, as a second career or income generator. The study has 5 TTEs in the sample, which is a convenient sample drawn from Cape Town Tourism ' s membership list of 14 members who are operating accommodation businesses in these areas. In-depth interviews were conducted with five TTEs, a senior staff member from the City of Cape Town Tourism Department, another from the Provincial Destination Marketing Organization and one tour operator. Informal discussions were held with staff at the Tourism visitors centres in Langa and Gugulethu and other tourism stakeholders prior to doing the interviews. The study also drew on multiple data sources, including policy documents. The study explored the TTEs' motivations for starting their accommodation businesses, and looked at how they conform to the entrepreneurial characteristics and categorisation given by Rogerson and the Global Entrepreneur Monitor Report, i.e. Survivalist/Opportunistic/Lifestyle Entrepreneurs. The study explores how this categorisation aligns TTEs with the vision and goals for the sector that policymakers and government have set, and whether this enables them to access the appropriate support. The findings suggest that TTEs should not all be assumed to have business growth as a primary goal, and that a number could be categorised as Lifestyle Entrepreneurs rather than Opportunistic Entrepreneurs, albeit in an urban township setting. This study also suggests that township Lifestyle Entrepreneurs have a key function in the tourism sector and consideration should be given to place them in a form of clustering with opportunistic high growth entrepreneurs. This would enhance this sector's contribution to the ambitious goals set for tourism as a transformation, job creation, and poverty alleviation tool.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor Of Philosophy in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University Of Zululand, 2018 / Human civilisation has been characterised by numerous revolutions, with the most recent one being the information revolution. Information is driving development in all spheres of life: social, political, economic, health and human services. For effective utilisation of information, a special kind of literacy beyond functional literacy or the ability to read and write is required. This kind of literacy is what is commonly referred to as Information literacy (IL). Researchers are increasingly designating several types of literacy. Financial literacy, which is the ability to understand the fundamentals of money management, namely budgeting, spending, saving, investment, the use of financial products and services like government financial assistance programmes, banking and insurance; basic numeric skills and debt levels, is at the core of this study. The overall aim of the study was to establish the financial literacy competences of women entrepreneurs and determine their impact on women’s economic empowerment. The overall aim of the research was to identify the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs and to study their role in women's economic empowerment. The study's objectives were: 1) To determine the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya; 2) To determine the level of economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs. 3) To determine the relationship between financial literacy and women's economic empowerment and 4) To suggest a model for the enhancement of the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya. The following research questions were addressed to realise the objectives of the study: 1) What are the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya? 2) What is the level of economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs? 3) What is the relationship between women’s financial literacy and their economic empowerment? 4) Which is the best model for enhancing financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya? The study used the mixed method approach which is normally associated with Pragmatic paradigm. The study combined the Positivist/postpositivist approach, which is associated with quantitative data, and Constructivist approaches which emphasise the socially constructed nature of reality and are therefore associated with qualitative data. The study was carried out using the survey research design because of its ability to capture the complexities of the issues under study using only a small sample of the population. Purposive sampling was used to select 105 women’s groups who had obtained loans from the Uwezo Fund in Chuka Constituency in the financial year 2013/2014. Both random and stratified sampling technique was applied to select the women entrepreneurs who formed the sample. The number of respondents from each stratum was proportionate to the size of the different strata of enterprises funded. In order to reduce possible sampling error, a total of 400 respondents were selected. Detailed questionnaires with both structured and open-ended questions were used to collect data. Discrete data was analysed using the Statistics and Data (STATA) package to generate descriptive statistics such as frequencies (counts) and percentages to describe data on the various variables. Cross-tabulation analysis was conducted to simultaneously analyse the relationship between two or more variables in the study. Causal analysis that is concerned with the study of how one variable affects changes in another variable, was used to determine how financial literacy skills affect women's economic empowerment, which is one of the research questions. A chi-square test of independence was then carried out to assess the degree of association between these variables. Research findings confirm that financial literacy skills are a major factor in women's economic empowerment, but that some financial literacy skills have a greater impact than others. Women entrepreneurs acquire financial literacy skills through social constructionism. Lack of financial literacy skills is hindering women entrepreneurs from becoming economically empowered. A willingness to invest in a risky business venture 239 (62.57%), lack of basic numeric skills 237 (61.88%), and taking loans without considering the cost 88 (71.42%) is undermining women’s economic empowerment. This is demonstrated by the fact that 78 (20.47%) of the respondents feel that their financial status is out of control and 153 (40.26%) feel uncomfortable about their current debt status. This study proposes that regular assessment of women entrepreneurs’ financial literacy skills be carried out and tailor-made training courses to fulfil these needs be introduced. Priority should be given to topics such as computing, loans, reading and understanding bank statements, budgeting, spending, saving and investing in business ventures. In order to increase the number of women entrepreneurs included in formal financial services, financial institutions should offer women financial products that suit them.

Fifty percent of small businesses launched survive 5 years or more and about 33.3 percent continue operating for 10 years or longer. This transcendental phenomenological study included Cantillion's theory of entrepreneurship to explore strategies used by successful second-time business owners after a failed first launch. Face-to-face interviews took place with 12 successful second-time business owners in Fairfax County, Virginia, whose first business had failed. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a modified Van Kaam method to identify strategies small business owners used to succeed beyond 5 years after a failed first business venture. Data analysis revealed 4 themes: (a) owners assimilated and accommodated lessons from the previous failure, (b) owners did not view obstacles as barriers, (c) owners acquired the ability to have successful plans, and (d) owners valued people who make businesses successful. Implications for social change include presenting the strategies in focus groups to train prospective entrepreneurs in local communities. The prospective entrepreneurs might learn new insights and strategies used by successful second-time business owners after a failed first launch that were critical to the success of their business. The findings of the study might offer applicable ideas, strategies, and actions that may promote the worth, dignity, well-being, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, and cultures.