Sustainability essential for small businesses

Small and medium- sized enterprises ( SMEs) are the lifeblood of South Africa’s economy, making up more than 98 percent of businesses across the country and contributing 39 percent towards the country’s GDP. That contribution is set to increase in the coming years, further cementing the importance of SMEs to our economy. However, these businesses are also the most vulnerable to externally driven economic fluctuations. In the same vein, conversations around sustainability in business, particularly when it comes to small businesses, are gaining increasing importance among multiple stakeholders. This includes investors. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, in a recent poll, 88 percent of investors placed equal importance on environmental, social and governance practices in business operating models as they did on financial considerations when making investment decisions. Sustainability is becoming an indicator of good management. It is seen as a key vector in driving innovation, risk mitigation and employee engagement. The poll also found that 60 percent of employees prefer a workplace that shares their beliefs and aligns with their values, with 58 percent of consumers choosing to purchase or advocate for brands that match these belief systems. This presents a crucial opportunity to governments and the private sector, who have the power and influence to enable entrepreneurs and SMEs to ensure sustainability, both financially, operationally and environmentally, for the long term. This can be achieved in a number of ways, all of which include education around sustainable financial best practice, increasing awareness of opportunities, establishing partnerships and embracing technology as an avenue to sustained success. Improving knowledge of sustainable financial best practices is crucial for SMEs that want to expand. Many face challenges in securing funding due to not having the necessary financial records in place. While some entrepreneurs have embraced modern tools, many still operate on legacy paper systems. Proven financial conduct is a prerequisite for many financial institutions, such as banks, when considering loans. Even though many banks have started helping SMEs and are working with the government to do so, more needs to be done to teach entrepreneurs about banking earnings so that they can be tracked and recorded. This will make it easier to apply for a loan. When governments and the private sector partner with initiatives that educate, and support upskilling, resourcing, and funding small businesses, they stand a better chance of thriving. Because it is such a broad term, many do not fully understand what sustainability means when it comes to business. This can be done by providing SME networking services, access to technology testing and demonstrations, specialised information, partner matchmaking, educational seminars and the like.

There seems to be a gap in how opportunities for SMEs are amplified. A survey by McKinsey and Company found that 36 percent of SMEs in South Africa were not receiving government loans or support, and a quarter were not making use of payment relief options such as UIF and PAYE. Besides not qualifying, two factors contributing to this were that entrepreneurs were not aware of the opportunities or did not know where to find the information needed to apply. It is therefore crucial for the government to amplify such opportunities. One way this can be done is by using media such as online news sites, advertising on social media and other targeted trade media. Technology adoption is only set to increase as convenience and on- demand models dominate the market. Management teams need to ponder whether the technology being integrated into the business will assist them in meeting their sustainability goals. Another way for governments to support SME survival is by providing training and up skilling business owners and staff about advanced technologies. Practical examples of technology deployment and the value it creates should be provided. This will enable SMEs to embrace their “technology eco- advantage” by using advanced technologies and embracing ways of working that enable profitable solutions that also have a positive impact on environmental, social, and governance goals. SMEs’ ability to meet demands for eco- conscious consumers and products can work to add improvements to the public health and environment, and increase positive brand association — ultimately creating business environments that are future ready and positively impacting the economy at large.