Great opportunity for small businesses for Mandela Day

The Small Enterprise Development Agency found that 75 per cent of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in South Africa fail in their first few years of existence, at the same time, the National Development Plan predicted that, by 2030, 90 per cent of all new jobs will be in SMBs as long as SMBs get the enabling environment needed to thrive – this includes a strong online presence and an eye-catching logo.

This Mandela Day, 18 July, local web-hosting company 1-grid.com has joined the 67 Logos Designathon campaign, to sponsor 67 websites for 67 SMBs for 67 weeks. The campaign, a Colourworks’ initiative, will see a selection of SMBs and start-ups kitted out with an expertly designed logo, a mini-brand identity and a two-day business boot camp training programme.

“The marketing power and functionality of the web should not be limited to companies with big budgets,” said Thomas Vollrath, 1.grid.com company head.

Vollrath said an effective website, together with a striking logo, is one of the first things customers see.

“Both are essential tools that together can help small businesses succeed. Beyond Mandela Day, we believe this campaign will make a real difference to the livelihood of the 67 selected businesses,” Vollrath said.

Lesley Waterkeyn, founder and CEO of Colourworks, said small businesses need support from both the government and private sector.

“Beyond contributing towards Mandela’s legacy, the 67 Logos Designathon will go a long way in giving small business owners the support and infrastructure they need,” Waterkeyn said.

With 21-million Internet users in South Africa, a strong online presence allows for a business to have greater accessibility, garner a wider audience and build up trust with their customer base.

“SMBs are the engines of a growing economy, having the right online solutions can be a real gamechanger for their success,” said Vollrath.