On this page you will find statements and op-eds distributed by SBI; coverage the Institute receives and news about and for SMEs. While we do not necessarily endorse political parties, nor the findings of other research institutions, our research and advocacy positions are increasingly highlighted by influential commentators. We post these articles or interviews here for your review.
News releases & OpEds
SBI BPL SME Indaba left Small Business owners inspired!
THE SBI BPL SME INDABA – AN EVENT THAT EMPOWERED AND INSPIRED! The SBI BPL SME Indaba “Finance as a growth enabler” were held on 26 August 2025 at Bryanston Country Club. It was nothing short of a powerhouse day for South Africa’s small business segment. Co-hosted...
SBI BPL SME Indaba: “Finance As a Growth Enabler” – Tues, 26 August 2025
Attention Small Business Owners, SME Champions, and Everyone Driving Growth in the SME Ecosystem! The Small Business Institute (SBI) and Business Partners Limited are excited to invite you formally to join us at the next SME Indaba -- a must-attend event focusing on:...
SUBMISSION BY THE SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE ON THE DRAFT TRANSFORMATION FUND CONCEPT PAPER
SUBMISSION BY THE SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE ON THE DRAFT TRANSFORMATION FUND CONCEPT PAPER To: the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (“dtic”)By email: transformationfund@thedtic.gov.za May 28 2025 Introduction and background Earlier this year, government,...
SBI Podcast, Episode one on B20 – In conversation with BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe
Get ready for an insightful episode where we unpack everything you need to know about the B20 with BUSA CEO, Khulekani Mathe —what it is, how it differs from the G20, and why it matters for business in South Africa and beyond. We’ll break down the unique role of...
SBI SME Indaba – Tuesday 20 May 2025 – “Innovation amidst compliance burden – unlocking the power of new technology.”
Attention Small Business owners, Business Chamber organisations and all role players in the SME enablement ecosystem! You are invited to the Next SBI SME Indaba being hosted on Tuesday 20 May 2025. Seats are limited, make sure to register to avoid disappointment!...
MEDIA STATEMENT: SBI CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO PLACE SMES AT THE HEART OF THE GROWTH AGENDA | MEDIA STATEMENT: SBI CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO PLACE SMES AT THE HEART OF THE GROWTH AGENDA
The Small Business Institute (“SBI”), which represents thousands of small
State of the Nation: Toby Chance talks DA Economic policy
“DA will stay in the GNU” with Toby Chance
Newzroom Afrika: Probe into SABS structural failures
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau wants an investigation
Media Statement: SBI Mourns the Passing of Tito Mboweni
It was with a great shock that the Small Business
Media Statement: Small Business Institute Mourns the Passing of Mr Pravin Gordhan
September 13 2024 will be remembered for the sadness it
Media Release: SBI welcomes the formation of the Small Enterprise Development Advisory Board
The Small Business Institute (“SBI”), SA’s big voice for small
Business Partners Ltd, SBI SME Indaba – 24 July 2024 – “Outlook for SA’s SMEs in the next five years”
SBI held a successful Indaba in cooperation with Business Partners Limited.
JOHN DLUDLU: The silent killer of small businesses is alive
Too many SOEs and state departments still pay hundreds of small
Media statement: SBI WELCOMES THE APPOINTMENT OF CABINET
SBI WELCOMES THE APPOINTMENT OF CABINET July 1 2024 The Small Business Institute (SBI) welcomes the announcement of the new government of national unity by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This cabinet, providing for change and continuity, becomes the first step towards...
SBI Podcast Series with Political Parties: Episode 4 In Discussion with Freedom Front Plus MP – Mr Wouter Wessels
SBI PODCAST SERIES WITH POLITICAL PARTIES: EPISODE 4 IN DISCUSSION WITH FREEDOM FRONT PLUS MP - MR WOUTER WESSELS. Ahead of the May 29 2024 general elections, the Small Business Institute hosted representatives of political parties to discuss their manifestos. We...
SBI reported in the news
OPINION | Investing in small businesses can fuel growth
Investing in small businesses can fuel growth The year 2024 was a pivotal year in the world's history. For SA, the 30th anniversary of the first democratic election ushered in the second incarnation of the government of national unity (GNU). The context for GNU-2024...
Ecommerce Business SA Regulations and Compliance – SBI CEO John Dludlu
Ecommerce Business SA Regulations and Compliance - SBI CEO John Dludlu
Small Business Institute outlines issues with spaza registration
JOHANNESBURG - It’s deadline-day for spaza shop owners and food vendors to register their businesses on Friday. This is part of government’s attempts to ensure compliance with regulations after several incidents of food-borne deaths and illnesses. Owners who fail to...
ENCA: Discussion | Small businesses expert responds to spaza shop deadline extension
JOHANNESBURG – The deadline for spaza shop registrations has been extended
The Phumlani Majozi Show: Will the GNU be good for small businesses? | EP 44 – econCHAT
Phumlani speaks to CEO of Small Business Institute, John Dludlu, about
Business Day: JOHN DLUDLU: Wrong diagnosis, and wrong medicine, for spaza shops
At last, the government has acknowledged the obvious — SA’s spaza
EWN: ‘It’s not business as usual. Informal business sector needs to be regulated soon’ – Small Business Institute
The recent food poisoning incidents have reignited discussions about the
Business Day: JOHN DLUDLU: Informal business sector needs to be regulated and soon
For years the government has been promising to regulate informal
Mercury: SBI pays tribute to Tito Mboweni
The Small Business Institute (SBI), has paid tribute to former
Vutivi Business: New small govt body a step in the right direction: SBI
The Small Business Institute (SBI) has welcomed the establishment of
Daily Maverick: YES aims to grow SME sector through zero fee campaign
To stimulate the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector – rightfully
ENCA: Discussion | Tourism Month | Unlocking small business growth
JOHANNESBURG – It’s the beginning of Spring and in our country
Business Day: WILLIAM GUMEDE: Put job-creating SMEs at the heart of strategy for economic turnaround
SA’s new unity government, which has brought new capacity, ideas
Business Report: Eskom forges ahead with plans to build a 100MW modular nuclear reactor
Eskom is forging ahead with plans to build renewable energy
Business Day TV: WATCH: What small businesses say about the amendment bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill
