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Turn your love of food into a business

Marvel’s Ironman may have some competition in the form of the Steel Sisters Monika Pretorius and her partner, Gwendolyn Mahuma. Known as the “sisters in steel” they founded the company, 

 (Women of Steel in Tswana) and are making an impact in the formerly male-dominated industry.

What sets them apart:

  • The company was formed to promote gender empowerment and to enable women to become major role players in the steel industry.

  • They mostly hire female-owned businesses as suppliers.

  • BBD Steel is 75% black women-owned.

  • BBD Steel has also set up QDT Transport as their enterprise development initiative (50% of it is owned by a black woman).

If you would like to start a business in this niche industry 

 from the 

 (IDC). This national development finance institution funds businesses that show promise in terms of growing the economy and creating jobs. If you would like to use your steel business to empower women like Basadi Ba Ditshipi there are a number of 

 aimed at female entrepreneurs.

New This Week (22 August 2023)

What You Can Win As The Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® awards allows South African entrepreneurs to stake their claim to their share of prizes worth R2 million.  What you stand in line to win:Finalists stand the chance to win prizes worth a total value of R2 million, which includes cash prizes of over R500 000 coupled with mentorship support. Finalists and winners of the competition are able to expand their networks and receive invaluable exposure for their businesses – enhancing the value of their offering to their customer and the society.

To enter, visit the website EOY.CO.ZA and follow the simple prompts.

Five Food Businesses You Can Start In SA

Food-based businesses are arguably some of the most profitable options. People are always going to need to eat and in today’s fast-paced world convenience is a big selling point.

Food businesses to consider include:

  • Hot sauce business: Hot sauces have become a staple in most South African households, why not capitalise on this growing demand?

  • Ice cream shop: The dessert market is seeing a rise in popularity in South Africa, as can be seen with the entry of international dessert brands into the country.

  • A juice bar: One of the advantages of venturing in the juice bar industry is the opportunity for product expansion from anything like chia bowls to protein shakes.

  • Coffee shop: South Africa has seen a rise in the coffee culture, with big international brands competing locally with independent South African coffee franchises.

  • Food Franchise: Buying a franchise means you’re investing in an established brand and business model that has been proven to work.

Considering A Pop-Up Restaurant?

Much like a pop-up retail store, a pop-up restaurant is a temporary trading space which allows business owners the opportunity to set up shop without the costs associated with traditional restaurants. But as with all businesses, there are still expenses to consider.

Some of the initial costs you can expect can include the following:

  • Lease security deposit/loan down payment

  • Business licenses/permits

  • Kitchen and cooking equipment

  • Tables, furniture and tableware

  • Signage and advertising

When setting up your pop up you should also be sure to invest in a POS system. For comparisons see below.

Social Media Tips To Implement Today

Are you keen on turning your followers into customers and your likes into orders? If you find that social media marketing is not working for you. this e-book is for you.

What you will learn:

  1. How educating your customers on your products can lead to sales

  2.  What social media platforms you should be using for your business

  3. Tactics for lead generation

  4. Ways to grow your email list