Critical project finance expedited
Bheka Mkhondo, Founder and Lead Engineer of Ordained Trading, is delighted with the assistance the National Gazelles team provided in expediting a loan from the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa).
Prior to being selected as one of the Top 40 Gazelles, Ordained Trading’s expansion was constrained by a lack of working capital.
The National Gazelles team works with Sefa -- a funding partner for the Gazelles programme — and in less than a month, Ordained Trading’s loan was approved and paid, allowing it to successfully bid for new contracts in the knowledge it could secure the staff and equipment needed to perform.
This engineering and manufacturing company has been able to put the loan to good use as project finance, and Bheka is now able to focus on growing the business instead of chasing after much-needed funding.
Prior to being selected as one of the Top 40 Gazelles, Ordained Trading’s expansion was constrained by a lack of working capital.
The National Gazelles team works with Sefa -- a funding partner for the Gazelles programme — and in less than a month, Ordained Trading’s loan was approved and paid, allowing it to successfully bid for new contracts in the knowledge it could secure the staff and equipment needed to perform.
This engineering and manufacturing company has been able to put the loan to good use as project finance, and Bheka is now able to focus on growing the business instead of chasing after much-needed funding.
iGREENS COLLABORATION PAYS OFF
Although Bloemfontein-based Quentin Eister of iGREENs knew Risna Opperman of Urth, they had lost contact until both companies were selected as Free State participants the National Gazelles programme.
Meeting up again at a National Gazelles networking event kickstarted a new business collaboration. Not only did iGreens launch its new E-BOX product line at the Mangaung Rose Festival hosted recently by Urth, but the E-BOX Mobile Solar Generators provided some of the electricity at this event.
IGREENS received a very promising enquiry at the festival and is confident business will come of the interest it attracted at the event. As further evidence of collaboration between the renewables and the horticulture businesses, it will soon be installing solar panels for Urth – proof that the networking platform created by the Gazelles programme is already delivering real business for members.
Meeting up again at a National Gazelles networking event kickstarted a new business collaboration. Not only did iGreens launch its new E-BOX product line at the Mangaung Rose Festival hosted recently by Urth, but the E-BOX Mobile Solar Generators provided some of the electricity at this event.
IGREENS received a very promising enquiry at the festival and is confident business will come of the interest it attracted at the event. As further evidence of collaboration between the renewables and the horticulture businesses, it will soon be installing solar panels for Urth – proof that the networking platform created by the Gazelles programme is already delivering real business for members.
Harnessing the power of positive networks
Although Rolland Eboru of Fred Footwear believes the full benefits of the Gazelles programme will unfold over the three-year cycle, his analytical mind immediately enables him to pinpoint three ways in which he is benefiting from participation.
"The Gazelles provides a social and commercial platform and my company’s visibility on the platform has meant that some of my existing clients have adopted a slightly different attitude in their dealings with the firm,” he says.
He is confident the networking among the Gazelles will deliver positive results and has already visited the business premises of two other members. He has also invited a fellow Gazelle to make a proposal regarding the provision of services to Fred Footwear.
The peer mentoring and opportunity to learn business lessons from each other has been a third highlight for the owner of this Port Elizabeth-based manufacturing concern, which is showing positive growth and expanding into new areas.
"The Gazelles provides a social and commercial platform and my company’s visibility on the platform has meant that some of my existing clients have adopted a slightly different attitude in their dealings with the firm,” he says.
He is confident the networking among the Gazelles will deliver positive results and has already visited the business premises of two other members. He has also invited a fellow Gazelle to make a proposal regarding the provision of services to Fred Footwear.
The peer mentoring and opportunity to learn business lessons from each other has been a third highlight for the owner of this Port Elizabeth-based manufacturing concern, which is showing positive growth and expanding into new areas.
Increased credibility
Ever since the CEO of MeMeZa, Thuli Mthethwa, was invited to be one of the speakers at the launch of the Gazelle’s Top 40 programme, sharing the podium with the Minister of Small Business Development, the business has gained credibility and trust as an industry expert.
Since that date, representatives from the company have been invited to speak at no fewer than four national and international conferences relating broadly to IT, innovation and community safety.
“Being part of the Gazelle’s team gives our organisation, products and services the recognition of industry leaders”, says Thuli. This is of incalculable value to MeMeZa, which offers a first-of-its-kind, public safety solution and works primarily through mobilising communities, private organisations and the public sector.
Since that date, representatives from the company have been invited to speak at no fewer than four national and international conferences relating broadly to IT, innovation and community safety.
“Being part of the Gazelle’s team gives our organisation, products and services the recognition of industry leaders”, says Thuli. This is of incalculable value to MeMeZa, which offers a first-of-its-kind, public safety solution and works primarily through mobilising communities, private organisations and the public sector.
Confidence to win new business pays off
“During the application process to join the Gazelles programme we were advised that our business was over reliant on a few key clients,” explains Leboneng Mathebula, owner of Gridbow Engineers and Technical Services. “At the launch event the Minister [of Small Business Development] encouraged the Top 40 companies to look beyond the borders of South Africa and these are two pieces of advice that we have taken to heart.”
The determination to acquire additional clients has already paid off and the Gauteng company is currently busy with its first project beyond South Africa’s borders. It has been contracted by Aggreko to undertake work in Zimbabwe and apparently the fact that Gridbow has been recognised by the SA government as a Top 40 company was a turning point in the negotiations.
Gridbow has also recently been certified to work at Koeberg nuclear power station, a significant milestone for a company that has just added this client to its portfolio.
The determination to acquire additional clients has already paid off and the Gauteng company is currently busy with its first project beyond South Africa’s borders. It has been contracted by Aggreko to undertake work in Zimbabwe and apparently the fact that Gridbow has been recognised by the SA government as a Top 40 company was a turning point in the negotiations.
Gridbow has also recently been certified to work at Koeberg nuclear power station, a significant milestone for a company that has just added this client to its portfolio.
All eyes on expansion
Similarly, Deline Investments has also benefited from the strong relationship between the National Gazelles and Sefa. A loan for this growing pharmaceutical business was facilitated by Gazelles management.
As a direct result of interaction with other Gazelles, service providers and associates Deline has opted to become a member of Proudly South Africa.
Maropeng Modiba is keen to see his Limpopo business expand its national footprint and a new pharmacy was scheduled to open within a Spars retail store in Midrand, Gauteng, in October 2016.
Although his business vision entails becoming a leading retail pharmaceutical group and moving into other new territories as well, Maropeng remains committed to serving communities that are most in need of pharmaceutical care and many of his existing stores are situated alongside taxi ranks.
As a direct result of interaction with other Gazelles, service providers and associates Deline has opted to become a member of Proudly South Africa.
Maropeng Modiba is keen to see his Limpopo business expand its national footprint and a new pharmacy was scheduled to open within a Spars retail store in Midrand, Gauteng, in October 2016.
Although his business vision entails becoming a leading retail pharmaceutical group and moving into other new territories as well, Maropeng remains committed to serving communities that are most in need of pharmaceutical care and many of his existing stores are situated alongside taxi ranks.
Renewed strategic insight
The owner of the Vaalnest Boutique Hotel says participation in the Gazelles strategic sessions is something that has delivered immediate results for his business. “It has been an eye-opener, particularly the input I received about the company structure,“ says Keith Atwell. “I have been assisted in identifying the areas where we need to brush up.”
Keith followed up by facilitating a similar session for his team at the hotel and a number of suggestions made by staff members are already being implemented. Vaalnest is now rolling out a loyalty programme, it is undergoing ISO9001 certification and five graduate interns have been appointed to roles regarded as central to the company’s strategy regarding future growth.
“What has also become apparent since becoming a Gazelle is that our business plan is outdated. This has been updated with the assistance of Seda and we are now ready to raise finance for the expansion of the hotel,” says Keith.
Keith followed up by facilitating a similar session for his team at the hotel and a number of suggestions made by staff members are already being implemented. Vaalnest is now rolling out a loyalty programme, it is undergoing ISO9001 certification and five graduate interns have been appointed to roles regarded as central to the company’s strategy regarding future growth.
“What has also become apparent since becoming a Gazelle is that our business plan is outdated. This has been updated with the assistance of Seda and we are now ready to raise finance for the expansion of the hotel,” says Keith.
Gazelles participation prompts a brand shift
Adri Kruger of Tzaneen Country Lodge is extremely grateful to be included in the National Gazelles programme.
The aspect of the programme that is making a demonstrable difference in her hospitality business is participation in a series of weekly webinars on different topics. As a result of what she has learnt through these webinars, Adri is giving renewed attention to brand strategy, marketing and cashflow, and she has also been encouraged to focus on teamwork and staff cohesion.
“After working through the Growth Strategy process and some of the training sessions, we decided to implement a slight brand shift. We are going with a new look, which we feel will attract more clients from specific markets and we are changing our slogan so that it better describes our brand offering.
“In addition, being part of the Gazelles has encouraged us to place greater emphasis on empowering our staff so they are also benefitting from the programme,” says Adri.
The aspect of the programme that is making a demonstrable difference in her hospitality business is participation in a series of weekly webinars on different topics. As a result of what she has learnt through these webinars, Adri is giving renewed attention to brand strategy, marketing and cashflow, and she has also been encouraged to focus on teamwork and staff cohesion.
“After working through the Growth Strategy process and some of the training sessions, we decided to implement a slight brand shift. We are going with a new look, which we feel will attract more clients from specific markets and we are changing our slogan so that it better describes our brand offering.
“In addition, being part of the Gazelles has encouraged us to place greater emphasis on empowering our staff so they are also benefitting from the programme,” says Adri.