Start UpStart UpTHE JOURNEY BEGINS ... A story about

starting a small business ...

Join me on the road to success!

Dear Reader

Welcome! Starting your own small business is a big decision. It takes commitment, creativity and a lot of hard work. But, oh, the rewards! Being your own boss. Being in control of your life. Learning new skills and growing to your full potential. Creating job opportunities. Not to mention making your own money!

Some of us start small businesses because we have no other way to make money. Or we start our own businesses because we have a passion to work for ourselves. But whoever we are, and whatever our reasons for wanting to start our own businesses, we all need guidance.

Where do I start? How do I think of a business idea? How do I know if my idea is a good one? What do I need to start my business? How can I make sure I’m going to make a profit? How much money do I need to start my business? How do I promote my business? How do I keep control of the money?

These are all questions you need to ask, and answer, if you want to become a successful entrepreneur. Helping you to find answers to these questions is the business of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (seda). seda works with small business support organisations throughout the country to bring training and other small business services within everyone’s reach.

To promote entrepreneurship and to encourage people to use the services of small business support organisations, seda is sponsoring the distribution of this edition of Start Up. This inspiring story has already motivated and helped thousands of small business people.

We hope you enjoy the story, and we urge you to contact a local small business support organisation in your area to get your own copy of the Start Up Step-by-Step Guidelines - the next step on your journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Your journey is just beginning... We wish you success and good fortune.

Start UpStart Up

Start Up is published by Junior Achievement South Africa

ISBN 0 9583890 6 3Copyright © 1998-2013

Junior Achievement & StoryWorks

THE JOURNEY BEGINS ... A story about

starting a small business ...

Hi! I’m Dudu. Come on in! I’ve been

waiting for you.

STORYWORKSLinda McClure

Junior AchievementPO Box 61540,

Marshalltown - 2017Tel: (011) 832-2632Fax: (011) 832-2637

linda@jasa.co.za

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by photocopying, recording or microfilming, or stored in any retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

Neil Verlaque-Napper

verlaque.napper.neil@gmail.com

Special thanks to the Eskom Development Foundation for financial assistance towards the development of this resource.

▼2

THE LANGA FAMILY

Gogo Langahas two sons: Wilson

and Wiseman. She lives with Wilson’s family.

Mam’Langalooks after the family while Wilson is away

from home.

Wilson Langahas been away from home for a long time, working in the city.

Wiseman Langais known to everyone as “Uncle Chicken”.

Dudu is his daughter.

Leratois 14 years old.

She is in Grade 9.

Zakheleis 8 years old.

He is in Grade 1.Vuyo

is the Langa’s first born. He is very practical with

his hands.

Duduis a single mother. She is a very determined and creative person.

Mama! Gogo! It’s Uncle Chicken!

Hello, Mama. How is your arthritis?

Oh, it’s good to see you, my son. You must be tired.

Come inside.

Aah, my granddaughter. She’s growing so big!

Yo, Baba! You know your daughter! Dudu is always busy. Today she is at a “Start Your

Own Business” seminar.

Child, fetch a cold drink for your uncle.

Tell me, what news of my husband do

you bring from the city?

Ma, my news is not good.

This is news your son Vuyo must hear as well.

Vuyo! Come here!

And how is my brother’s wife and children? You all look well.

Mam’Langa, where is my daughter?

1CHAPTER

▼3

▼4

Wilson has lost his job. The company he worked for has

closed.

Hau!This is bad

news!

Many companies are closing. Many people are

losing their jobs.

He sent this money to you, Mama. But there will be no more money until

he finds another job.

He is staying in the city to look for a job. I am

sorry.

Oh, Mama, what are we going to

do? This is terrible news.

It will be hard, my child … but at least we still have

my pension.

Meanwhile, Dudu is at a seda “Start Your Own Business” seminar …

There just aren’t enough jobs …

Maybe starting a

businesses is the only way we can earn the money

we need.

Okay, let’s continue.

You all remember our definition of business ...

Business is a process that takes resources and turns them into products that you can sell to

consumers for a profit.

But there are so many different types

of businesses ...

Yes, there are. But most businesses

fall into three categories. Can

anyone think what they are?

▼5

Sometimes people make

things and then sell them...

err... like food or knitting.

Yes. That’s what we call a

manufacturing business.

Some people don’t make anything,

but they do something. Like driving a taxi, or

washing cars or mending

shoes.

Yes, we call that a service

business.

There is also trading.

Yes! In a trading business, the entrepreneur

buys things and then sells them

for a profit.

Back at the Langa’s yard …Son, please have some food before

you leave.

Thank you, Mama. I will stay

for a while.

How are things with you, Vuyo, my boy?

Uncle, things are

heavy.

You know, I’ve been looking

for work since I finished matric … for more than

two years!

I even did a course in basic

bookkeeping - but wherever I go:

Awukho umsebenzi!

I am very frustrated, Baba.

Meanwhile, at the seminar ...

What makes a good entrepreneur?

He must want to be

his own boss.

She must be creative.

She must have a

vision for her business.

She must be able to look after money.

He must have perseverance ... staying

power.

▼6

He must conquer his fear and take risks.

She must work hard. She can’t be

lazy.

That’s me!I have all these characteristics.

Everyone can be an entrepreneur. You

don’t have to be born a money-maker. You

can become one!

Take this book. It will help you start and grow your business.

Come and see me if you need help.

I could make clothes …

I could start a cleaning service …

I could start my own shop …

I could …

… and the children’s school fees! We have to do

something!

Mama, I don’t know where or how, but I

will find a job.

Our ancestors will help us!

Oh, Dudu. Your father was here. He brought us

bad news …

Later … Maybe we should think about starting our own

business.

Agh, Dudu! We don’t know about business!

That night Dudu stays up late, reading ...

We can do this!

But, can I really become an entrepreneur?

2CHAPTER

You slept late, Dudu, my dear.

I was up half the night

reading …

We can do it! I know we can. This book shows us the way.

Agh, Dudu, you're not a businessman. You

and your crazy ideas!

Okay, we’re not business people... yet! But we can

be! We must start thinking like entrepreneurs.

Start our own business? I’m not so sure, Dudu.

What is it that you want

us to do?

The book says the first thing we need to do is to think of a business idea. Think about what people need.

What they want.

Tsk, Dudu! Where are you going to find a

business idea?

▼7

Well, if anyone wants hot dinner tonight, we need more electricity!

And I must pay our rates and

services.

Yo! Yo! Yo! The money just goes!

I’ll come with you, Ma.

Vuyo, come with us. We can talk more about our

business idea.

Ja, sure. Maybe we can start a casino for the unemployed!

Please, Vuyo, take this seriously!

Let’s give Dudu a chance.

People need their clothes washed. Maybe we can start a laundry service?

It’s so dusty here. Maybe we can do people’s gardens …

There are all these small businesses … I wonder if

they need someone to do their books?

Good idea, Vuyo. You see, it’s not so hard to think of

business ideas.

People always need vegetables and fruit. Maybe we can set up a stall in town.

Gogo and I can weave baskets. People always

admire our designs. Maybe …

Maybe! Maybe! Maybe! Duduzile, you’re wasting my

time!

Yo! That boy! He’s so bad tempered these days.

He’s frustrated,

Ma.

We’ll carry on. The book says that once we’ve

thought of some business ideas, we need to do a

feasibility study.

A feasi-what?

▼8

We need to work out if our ideas

are feasible, Mama. Can they

work?

People do their own laundry here, so there would be no market

for that service.

Market?

Yes, market - people to buy the services or the

products we offer.

And most people are not interested in fancy

gardens.

Anyway, we don’t have the skills to offer a gardening service.

And we don’t have the resources, like a lawnmower and gardening tools.

So that leaves your basket idea, Vuyo’s bookkeeping idea, and my fruit

and vegetable stall idea.

Great! We’ve got 3 business ideas!

Tomorrow we need to research our ideas properly. The book says we need to ask three important questions ...

What questions?

First: Do we have a market for our product or

service?

Second: Do we have the skills we need to start the business, or

can we get them?

And third: Do we have the

resources we need to start the business, or can we get them?

Yo! Research, resources, markets! Dudu, you’re driving

me crazy! And I suppose you want me to ask Vuyo

to research his bookkeeping idea,

hey?

▼9

The next day ...

I don’t keep books.

I don’t make

enough money!

Only a certificate in basic bookkeeping.

Sorry, I need someone with more

experience.

Agh, Dudu and her book! She’s driving me crazy!

Meanwhile …People will buy them, Gogo. Everyone loves them. And we have the resources. There’s plenty of grass …

But I’m slow, my child. My fingers are

stiff.

We can teach people, Gogo. Like you

taught me.

I’m going to town. We need to do our market research.

Hau! Where are we going to

find a husband for this girl?

So little!?

My dear, many people are making these baskets. And

I can get them even cheaper from Taiwan. I’m sorry.

It’s only tourists and people from Gauteng who like this stuff. My

customers don’t want these grassy things!

Try Bhamjee, dear. He sells anything.

I’ll give you R100 for 50. That’s my best offer.

But it takes a whole day to make one basket …

Well, there’s definitely no market for our

baskets! I hope Mama’s research is more fruitful.

▼10

Mam’Langa arrives in town.

Yo! There are so many people selling fruit and vegetables here!

Hmm, that’s a nice display. It’s clear what the prices

are.

They’re all selling the same things!

That’s a nice idea for packaging …

Sisi, these vegetables are good quality. Where do

you buy them from?

Thank you, Sisi. I buy

from the wholesalers on

Main Road. They’re the

cheapest.

… and it’s fresh every day.

Everybody knows me for my

discounts.

The prices are good … But where am I going

to sell?

Later … Oh, these bags are so heavy. And my

poor feet …

I hate carrying all my shopping from town. The

drivers are so rude!

You should bring your husband.

Excuse me, ladies.If you could buy good

quality fruit and vegetables in the township, would

that help you?

Oh, yes. It would help me a lot.

Yes. But the prices must be good!

Old Mnisi sells near the rank. But his vegetables are like him: old and

dried out!

▼11

I will buy from you.

Good quality and low price! Then I’ll buy from you as well.

Hmm … there’s an opportunity here. Mnisi.

This is old!

Take itor leave it!

Are you waiting for someone, Mam’Langa?

No … I’ll walk home with you.

Good luck!

Mama! How was your day?

Very, very good, my child.

We’re going to start a fruit and vegetable stall at the taxi rank here in the

township.

Where is Vuyo?

He’s playing soccer with his friends ... he came home in

a very bad mood.

Shame. Dudu, how was your

market … what?

Market research. Not good, Mama. There is no market for our baskets.

Yo! I spoke to so many people! They need a goodfruit and vegetable stall here, so they don’t have to carry

everything from town …

So, we have a market, and we have the skills to buy and sell fruit

and vegetables …

And with the money Wilson sent, and my small savings,

we have the money to start.

Hey! We’re going to be business

people!

But, Mama, we still have a lot of planning to do. The book says …

Oh, my child, not tonight. I’m

too tired.

▼12

3CHAPTER

Hey, Ma! Where are you

going? You didn’t tell me …

I’m going to town to withdraw

all my money from the post office. I’m going to buy the fruit and

vegetables.

All your money? Yes …

See you later.

Wait, Mama, wait!

You’re moving too fast, Mama!

We have to crawl before we can run.

We have to plan the

business, like the book says ...

Tsk! What planning?!

Seriously, Mama. We have important questions to ask ...

What more now, Dudu? What questions?

Well, like … where will you buy your

produce?

How much will you buy?

How much are you going to

charge?

Where will you store your produce? How will you

transport them?

Can you answer all these

questions?

I see your point, child.

Back at home ...

Okay, Mama, let’s work through our Business Plan

slowly and carefully.

First question is: Who will your market be?

Well, we’ll put our stall at the township taxi rank. So, I’ll be selling to local people on their

way to and from work.

So, you’ve decided on the local taxi-rank?

Yes, there’s a real need for a stall here

in the township.Maybe later I can think of a second stall in town ...

Now you’re thinking like a true business

person!

▼13

And: What will you be selling?

Yo! All these questions!I’ll sell what people use every

day: tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cabbage, apples,

bananas ...

Okay. Then: What resources will

you need?

You have some money to buy the produce. What else? You’ll need a table and chair. And a place

to store them.

Good point. I’ll use that old table and chair. And I’ll speak to Mrs Ndlovu about storing them in her yard. She

lives very close to the rank.

About transporting the produce from town …

I can ask Mr Ramogodi to transport it in

his taxi.

We can store the produce here, but how will I get it to the stall

every day?

Yo! This is getting complicated! What other resources will my business

need?

Bags to pack the fruit and vegetables in.

And, Mama: Where will you buy

your produce?

From the wholesalers in town. Their produce is good, but I don’t know who has the best prices ...

We must go and find out.

We need to know what the produce costs, and what the packaging,

transport, and storage will cost. I’ll come with you, Mama.

Aish! All these taxis to town are eating my

money!

Mama, the book says it is very

important to do good research and to plan carefully.

We still need more information ...

▼14

▼15

Your prices are the same as at Mr

Erasmus.

Mrs Langa, if you buy from me, I’ll give you free paper

bags. And I’ll deliver directly to your house for only R10 per delivery. This is a good

deal. Trust me.

He’s friendly and he seems

honest.

Yes, he’s offering us a good deal. And I’ll save on taxi

fare if he delivers.

The post office is still open. I’m going to withdraw the

money …

But, Mama, we haven’t worked out

our pricing.

We haven’t organised storage with

Mrs Ndlovu yet.

We haven’t thought of a way of transporting the

produce to and from the stall.

We haven’t ...

Ohh, all right, Dudu!

But all this planning is making me frustrated.

When can I start?!

As soon as we have worked out what everything is going to cost … how much

you are going to charge … and how much profit you are going to make.

There is no point in starting a business if it isn’t going to make

money!

And to do that, I suppose we need more information and more planning. Né?

Right!

Later that evening …

Yo! I don’t understand this - expenses and

profit and what-what ...

This is all new to me, too.

Vuyo! Can you please help us

with this?

Sure. At least someone needs

my help!

Let’s see ... This is the basic profit formula: Profit equals total income less total expenses.

Vuyo, the book says profit is the most important word in

business.

That’s right, sisi. Profit is what

business is for.

The first thing we need to do is to work out

your expenses.

Expenses are all the money that you have to pay to run the business. Like rent, transport, and salaries.

And the margin?

Dudu, the margin is the amount you add to the cost price of your product to get your selling price.

Buti, I’m still confused. I need to read this chapter

of our book again.

Don’t worry, sisi. It’s really simple. You just need to get used

to all these new ideas and words.

I am beginning to think I’m too old

for all this!

▼16

4CHAPTER

Shoo, this is

interesting.

Dudu’s right. Looking at these numbers, this business

can make a nice profit.

Thabang’s father has a welding

machine...

I wonder if he’s awake ... I have an

idea!

Later that morning ...

Yo! Vuyo has been

busy.

Look at these calculations! Fixed Costs! Start-up Capital!

Vuyo is going to have to explain all this.

Morning, Gogo. Morning, Mama. Morning, Dudu.

You look happy!

What’s going on?

I was just at Thabang’s house. He’s going to help me to make a cart for Mama’s business. We’ll borrow

his father’s welding machine.

Ohh! You’re a darling boy!

So, ‘Darling Boy’, are you going to explain all these numbers to us? I’m very

curious ...

Later …

Vuyo, take me through these numbers slowly. I need to understand everything.

Okay, Mama. Think of what we’re doing as telling a story - the story of your business, and how it’s going to do

in the future.

Vuyo, that’s great! We’re writing our business story!

▼17

▼18

First we need to talk about expenses. There are fixed expenses and variable

expenses.

Fixed expenses stay the same every

month.

You mean like the R10 a month I will pay to Mrs Ndlovuto store the table and chair?

Yes, Mama. And your salary, and any other regular

monthly expenses for the business.

So, what are the variable expenses?

Your variable expenses are the expenses that change according to how well the business is doing …

For example, the more fruit and veg you sell, the more you have to buy.

Hmm, this is fun. I’m beginning to

understand.

Sales Income is all the money that comes into the business from selling the

product or service.

I like the sound of income better than expenses.I want money to come into the business, not go out!

Vuyo, what are these Labour Costs they talk

about in the book?

It is very important that Mama pays herself a salary.

In any business, whether big or small, it’s important to

separate the business money from your own money.

A good, solid business must be able to pay the people who work

in it, and still make a profit. If you don’t include your labour as an expense, you can’t see

how well the business is doing.

Oh, my head hurts with all this information. Let’s have something

to eat.

FIXED COSTS

Mam’Langa’s Salary . . . . . R400

Rent to Mrs Ndlovu for

storing our table . . . . . . . . .R10

Telephone (1/3 of our

monthly account) . . . . . . . . R30

Electricity (1/3 of our

monthly account) . . . . . . . . R20

Rates and Services (1/3

of our monthly account) . . R30

Transport (R10 per delivery

x 4 deliveries a month) . . R40

TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R530

After eating ...

So, Vuyo, what’s this

Cash Flow?

Imagine the business as a bucket, and the money as water ...

Oh, I’d drink water all

day long!When you start the business, you put some water in the bucket. That’s your start-up capital.

When you pay for expenses, like vegetables and

transport, you have to pour some of the water out.

But when people buy the veggies from you, new water flows into the bucket. This is

income.

This in-and-out of income and expenses is called

Cash Flow.

I want my bucket full all the time!

Vuyo. Explain this Start-up Capital?

Start-up Capital is the money you need before

you can start the business - to buy the things you will

use for a long time, like equipment and machinery …

… and, of course, the money you need to buy your first lot of produce.

Well, if allour calculations are correct, this business

is going to make money!

Now tell me: Can we start? Can I buy my

vegetables now?Yes!

Yes!

Mama, ask Patel to deliver in two days’ time. The cart will be

ready by then.

And I’ll need R10 to pay

Mrs Ndlovu for storage.

I’ll phone Patel.

Haai, this bucket is getting empty

already!

And I’ll need R50 to buy some materials.

▼19

START-UP CAPITALCart to transport fruit and

veg from home to stall R50Rent to Mrs Ndlovu . . . R10

Patel’s first delivery . . . R10Fruit and veg for first week . . . . . . . . . . R361

TOTAL START-UP CAPITAL NEEDED . . . . . . . . . . . . R431

That afternoon ...

Okay, I admit. I’m feeling

excited about this business.

It’s easy when you know how to plan.

Yes, that book of yours really takes a person step-by-step.

Just think of all the things we can do in the future!

Well, first things first.

Thabang and I are starting with the cart this evening ...

Two days later ...... seven, eight. That’s how many packets we get from one box of

tomatoes.

We packed them carefully so they’ll stay nice and firm.

I’ve counted the onions - eight packets. Five packets

of potatoes. And ten cabbages.

And twelve apples … Make that

eleven!

Hey! You can’t do that. The book says we must keep very strict control of our stock.

Okay, sisi. Sorry.

I won’t do it again.

Let’s go!

▼20

▼21

A packet of tomatoes, one of onions, and a

cabbage, please.

These are good quality onions and tomatoes. I’ll have a packet of

each.

Your prices are reasonable. And it’s a pleasure to buy from people who smile and greet you.

Later …

Business picked up a little this evening ...

Yes, but people are still carrying packets of

veg from town.

They don’t know we’re here yet.

I was hoping we’d sell

everything …

Well, the book talks about the

need to promote our business.

Yes, we need to tell people about

our stall.

That evening …Hmm, something smells good. I’m

going to help Gogo finish cooking ...

So, how was your first day?

I can tell you that your tomatoes are delicious!

How do you know, Gogo?

I took a packet from …

Hau, Mamazala! We must keep the business stock separate

from our food for the family.

Mama, you must write down the day’s

sales …

Yes, we must work out how much money we

made!

Okay, Mama. I’ll help you.

5CHAPTER

The next morning ...

Mama, I’ve got an idea to promote your business ... All I need is a pocket of

oranges … okay?

Uhh … okay, Vuyo.

It’s so good to see Vuyo motivated again … Starting

this business has been good for him.

Mama. We must remember to write down the cost of

those oranges as a promotion expense.

Heyta, gents! I’ve got some fresh

oranges for you.

Compliments of Mam’Langa’s Fruit

and Veg Stall.

Please tell your passengers about the new stall. The produce is fresh and very

good quality.

Umm, these are good!

Now, your passengers don’t have to carry

heavy bags all the way from town.

Yes, Baba, we’ll be here on

Saturday too. That’ll be R8.00.

All right, Miriam, you can pay me

on Friday ...

Mama! You know what the book says:

No credit!

Hau, Dudu! I’ve known her for twenty-five years.

Oh, this is too heavy for an old man like me ...

Tata, let me help you carry it home.

Tata, I was wondering: if we delivered vegetables to your house every week, would you place a regular order

with us?

My child, it would be a great help to me.

Do you think other people would like their fruit and veg delivered on a regular basis?

Well … there are six pensioners in

my street.

And there is a man in a wheelchair who

lives close by ...

▼22

▼23

Meanwhile ...

The taxi-drivers say they will

promote the stall!That’s

wonderful!

Vuyo, the tomatoes are ripening too quickly in

the sun.

Let me see what I can do … I’ll put up some shade.

Thanks, my boy.

At home … They’re an hour late! This Patel is wasting my

time.

Tsk! Some of this produce is damaged! Look, these tomatoes are bruised. And

these onions look old ...

Later that afternoon …

Dudu, our promotion worked! Some

customers said they heard about the stall from the taxi-drivers.

I have a new idea … but I still need to do more market research.

Excuse me, Mfowethu. I’m

thinking of starting a Fruit and Veg Home Delivery Service. Would you use such a service?

Yes, sisi. It

would be very

useful. I won’t have

to carry these bags

all the way from

town!

I’m not sure. Will it cost

extra?

Yes, especially at weekends!

You take care of the stall.I have to rush home. Patel is

delivering ...

▼24

That evening …

I’m so upset with Mr Patel. His service and the quality of his goods are

disappointing.

I can’t pass this on to my customers. They’ll never buy from me

again!

Shame, Mama.

I think you should go and talk to him.

Good relationships

are very important in business...

Go tomorrow, Ma. We will take care of

the stall.

That’s good advice.But now we must

do our calculations. How full is my bucket?

Later ... So, what do you think of

my idea? A Home Delivery Service!

Dudu, I think it’s really good. There

are some real advantages, but …

Yes! We can get more customers …

… and we can buy our fruit and veg cheaper if

we buy in bulk.

And we can make more money!

Yeah, but are you sure you have a

market?

And what about resources? You’ll need some kind of

delivery vehicle ...

Yes, Vuyo, you’re right. I need to research this idea more.

Tomorrow I’ll go with Gogo to the council office. It’s pension day.

▼25

The next day ... … and I’m sure the church would also use

your service.

And try the boarding school.

Meanwhile, in town ...Mr Patel, I am not satisfied with your service. And some of the produce you sent was

damaged!

Mrs Langa, I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.

Trust me.

I’ll replace all the damaged goods. I

really want to keepyour business.

Thank you, Mr Patel.

You know, the more my business grows, the more yours does too.

Of course, Mrs Langa. You’re right.

At the stall ...

Heyta, bru! So, this is your new

job, hey?

Nie, Thabang! This is just temporary. You know me. I want a

real job.

But you know, these small businesses have real potential. My mother is beginning to see results,

man!

I just saw Dudu. She was talking about a delivery bicycle or something!

She said I should come and speak to

you …

Yeah, I’m glad you came.

I’ve made some drawings …

That evening ... Mama. Vuyo and I have an idea we want to talk to

you about.

I’ve done some market research, and people are

excited.

They have said they’ll use the

service …

Excited about what? What

service?!

A Home Delivery Service. Fruit and veg delivered to

your door!

Umm, it’s an interesting idea ...

What resources would you need?

Thabang and I will make a delivery vehicle … Look, we’ve designed a bicycle

with a side cart.

We’ll use Vuyo’s old bicycle that he used to ride to school. It’s not too big

for me...

You! A young woman on a bicycle?!

I’m not so sure ...

Agh, Mama, don’t be so old fashioned! This idea is good

for business.

Yes, this can really make the business

grow.

I’m impressed at your creativity. Both

of you!

But you know: what people say and what

they do are two different things!

You must go and take orders from people. Write them down in front of the people, so they

know you’re serious.

As soon as you’ve got your orders, we’ll start on the bicycle. It won’t

take long …

▼26

6CHAPTERThree months later ...

Thanks, Dudu, dear. Oh, these look lovely!

Please bring an extra box of tomatoes next week.

This is such a help, Dudu. Thank you.

Dudu! Did you bring me the apples I ordered?

Sure, Gogo. You’re making apple pie for your son.

He’s coming home for the long weekend, right?

Yes, my girl. Greet your aunt

for me.

This is interesting … and it’s well made

too!

My cousin made it. Here is his name and

address.

Hey, this could help us

a lot.

He’ll make whatever you need. He knows that every business has its own individual needs.

Go and see him!

▼27

Meanwhile, Vuyoand Thabang ... Thabang, this idea for a lock-up

cart is great! This is the second one we’ve sold.

Ja, things are moving fast, man!

But my father is getting really mad with us for borrowing his welding machine all the time!

Don’t worry, bru. Our Business Plan is almost finished … and then we’ll get that loan to buy our own

welding machine!

In fact, I’ve got an appointment with

the business advisor at the seda office

this afternoon.

He just needs to check the final details

…

… and then the loan

will be ours!

So, your husband is coming home for the

long weekend?

Yes, I’m so excited!I haven’t seen Wilson for

over six months!

And so much has changed …

▼28

Meanwhile Mam'Langa ...

Hello, Mrs Langa. Business is good! This is

a big deposit.

Yes, Jabile, it is good. I never knew

I could do it!

My business has really grown. Now I am employing someone … and I’m opening a new stall here

in town!

That’s great! I wish you all the

luck.

I wonder what Wilson will think …

Me, a business-woman!

Hello. I am Mrs Langa. I have come to confirm my stall. And to pay the

first month’s rental.

Yes, Mrs Langa, you’re on the list. Yours is stall number eight.

Here it is on the model.

Oh! This is wonderful!

▼29

Later that afternoon …

So, Vuyo. You and Thabang doing okay?

Great, thanks.The orders are coming in fast!

I’ve brought the Cash Flow

Projections for the next six

months.

We’re anxious to get the

loan. We really need our

own welding machine.

Well, I’ve read your Business Plan closely and it’s very impressive. You’ve

been very thorough.

It’s clear that you’ve followed the advice in

the book.

I can see you’re serious about becoming

an entrepreneur.

These figures look very positive,

Vuyo.

I’m sure your loan application will be successful.

Good luck!

Back in the township … Try some mangoes,

Mrs Jack. These are the last ones left.

Well done, Nozizwe! You’re a fast learner.

▼30

We did well today. You sold nearly

everything!

Thank you, Dudu.I’ve got all the money here, just like Mrs Langa told me.

And I’ve written down all the things that I sold in

the little book.

Great!

Come, I’ll help you pack up.

That evening ...

Remember when we used to struggle to work out all

these sums?

Yes. A lot has changed …We’re doing it for ourselves!

It’s been hard work … but look at the results!

You know, I never imagined that an idea could grow into

a business.

We’re listening to the market. We’re making what people want and need!

Hey, Majita, you’re talking

like Dudu!

But seriously, we’re pumpin’.

And now I can start looking for a girlfriend!

Add a little salt, my girl ... your Tata loves a thick stew.

What a feast! Papa will be so surprised!

What will I find at home …?

I haven’t sent money for

months!

▼31

▼32

The next day ...

So, Wilson, how do you find things

here at home?Well, you

can imagine my surprise! Look what

my family has achieved!

I almost can’t believe my eyes. I am very proud of all of them.

It’s more than just a business.

I feel like an entrepreneur.

The children and I have done something!

I feel empowered.And now I have so

many dreams for the future!

Papa! It’s so good to see

you.

Dudu! You look well.

What’s this I hear about you riding around on a

bicycle?!

Come, letme get you some

umqomboti. I have a lot to tell you …

▼33

... the top of the cart folds out to make a table, and you can

lock it too.

It’s cheaper if we fix a second-hand

bicycle ...

Later that day ...

So, Wilson, will you return to the city to look for work again?

Well, my brother, I’m not sure.

Seeing my family doing so well has made

me think. Maybe there are opportunities for me here.

And Dudu has given me this book

to read …

ENJOY THE RIDE?Did you enjoy this story about how Dudu, Vuyo and Mam’Langa start their own small business? We hope

so. We also hope that you now want to learn more about being an entrepreneur!

TAKE THE NEXT STEP...And get your own copy of the START UP Step-by-Step Guidelines from your local Business Training

organisation. Learn how to prepare your own Business Plan. Find out how much money you need to start your business. And, above all, work out how

much you need to sell to make a profit!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...Speak to your local Business Training organisation

about the training courses they offer, and other services they provide.

You can also ask any NGO or CBO in your area to download a copy of the Guidelines from the dti

website at: www.thedti.gov.za/startup/startup.htm Don’t forget to ask how much they will charge you to

print out the Guidelines.

For more information call the dti Customer Contact Centre on: 0861 843 384 (local call rates)

or visit the dti website at: www.thedti.gov.za