Small business with big ideas

L to R: Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa with winner Malerato Molobi and Steven Cohen, MD of Softline Pastel

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"What really stood out from this year's competition was the level of personalised service that all the finalists provide their clients," says Steven Cohen, managing director of Pastel Accounting. "You don't always have to have a new or clever idea to be a successful business owner because exceptional service will position you in a league of your own."

Winning formula is empowerment of others

Molobi Enterprises distributes refreshments, snacks and beverages to spazas, taverns, restaurants, hawkers, garages, private sector companies and government departments in and around Soweto. The nomination for the business came in from Portia Pilane who was not only impressed by owner Malerato Molobi's excellent service and business savvy, but also her commitment to growing other entrepreneurs in her community.

"She encouraged other women to start their own businesses and was their support structure as she was already in the business. The women started from small stands in street corners and moved on to selling in trolleys and today they own their shops and caravans. This is all because of this dynamic woman who believes in herself and others," wrote Pilane.

Malerato's story mirrors those she mentors in many ways. She started selling sweets and snacks from her parent's house with a capital investment of R700, which she accumulated through 1c, 2c and 5c pieces. She now has a distribution warehouse in Roodepoort and is one of the biggest players in this market.

"There were many things about the winning entry that impressed the judges, including her ability to spot opportunities in her current market," said Pheladi Gwangwa, Talk Radio 702 station manager and one of the judges on the panel. "Because of her background as a former hawker, she understands better than some of the more formalised wholesalers that for a one-person business, time is incredibly valuable. Her business gives hawkers and spaza shop owners the opportunity to run their businesses without wasting time in queues all day buying stock. She provides a one stop solution to the informal trading sector."

Runners-up

The two runners-up were Vee's Airline Catering and Arwen Garmentry. Both win software packages from Softline Pastel as well as an airtime package on Talk Radio 702.

Vee's Airline Catering started as a small canteen and only 18 months later has earned the respect, and business from many of the bigger flight operators at the Safair/Jetworx complex, adjacent to OR Tambo.

Arwen Garmentry creates exquisite corsetry and other structured garments. Started by Arwen Swan who had no background in fashion design and had to teach herself to sew, the business now employs a number of people and has attracted a cult-like following from around the world.

"All 30 finalists showed a genuine commitment to their customers," said Grant Lloyd of Softline Payroll. "They offer a shining example to businesses of all sizes and show why the SME sector is so vibrant in South Africa."

The winner receives an advertising package for 702 including the production and flighting of a professional radio commercial. In addition, they win a laptop and software from Softline Pastel.