Media

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.

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

SBI URGES MBOWENI TO SUPPORT SMME GROWTH IN HIS BUDGET

SBI URGES MBOWENI TO SUPPORT SMME GROWTH IN HIS BUDGET February 19 2019 Embargo: none The Small Business Institute is appealing to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni to lift the threshold of taxable small firms to R5 million of annual turnover to develop the small...

SBI WELCOMES RAMAPHOSA’S FOCUS ON INCLUSIVE GROWTH

The Small Business Institute welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s focus on inclusive growth and job creation, and determination to fix Eskom and to step up the fight against corruption.

SBI CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO CHAMPION SMME-LED GROWTH

Ahead of his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), as part of the public-private growth initiative delegation to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Small Business Institute (SBI) has tabled a set of proposals to ensure that the small business segment is placed at the front and centre of economic growth and job creation.

SBI BEEFS UP ITS CAPACITY

The Small Business Institute announces today that two top-rated South African economists and thought leaders are joining its board as part of SBI’s bid to strengthen its capacity to champion the voice of small business.

News release: SBI’s public comments on DSBD proposed amendments to definitions of SMMEs

SBI welcomes amendments by Department of Small Business Development to definitions of SMMEs

SBI’s submission on DSBD proposed amendments to definitions of SMMEs

Submission Presented by the SBI (Small Business Institute) [31 October, 2018] In response to the Updating of Schedule 1 of the National Definition for Small Enterprises in South Africa (Gazette Notice No 41970: published 12 October 2018) E-mail to:...

The number of formal micro, small & medium businesses in South Africa.

President Ramaphosa has asserted that, “the growth of our economy will be sustained by small businesses, as in the case of many countries”. And most of our policy documents since the 1995 white paper have laid out South Africa’s ambitions to emulate the job creating...

Department of Small Business Calls for Public Comment on the definition of small enterprises

GOVERNMENT NOTICECALL FOR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS FROM STAKEHOLDER BODIES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE UPDATING OF SCHEDULE 1 OF THE NATIONAL DEFINITION FOR SMALL ENTERPRISES IN SOUTH AFRICA I, Lindiwe D Zulu, Minister of Small Business Development hereby:a) Publish...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: “Why the dubious research saga by SBI and SBP?”

The article published by Dr Thami Mazwai, a consultant to the minister of small business development

Baseline data and policy changes needed for small business to deliver jobs target for NDP

Baseline data and policy changes needed for small business to deliver jobs target for NDP Data

Growth in lending to big firms outpaces that to SMEs

Banks’ lending in South Africa to large corporate companies over the last five years grew

SBI supports Parliamentary Portfolio Committee attempt to hold Department of Small Business Development to account

The Small Business Institute notes that the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development

New Release from the Small Business Institute

The Small Business Institute today rejected the resignation offered by board member

Statement in response to the SONA from the Small Business Institute

It’s now or never – time to shift government from blocking to enhancing sustainable SMEs

SBI’s submission to the Minister for Economic Development on the bill to amend the Competition Act

Submission to the Minister of Economic Development in response to Government Gazette notice No. 1345, the Competition Amendment Bill 2017 on behalf of the Small Business Institute, the SBI (formerly the AHI). Via email: competitionbill@economic.gov.za The SBI...