Support for rural small businesses in Limpopo Province, South Africa

The present study aimed to raise awareness of the need for and availability of support for rural small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A survey of 600 SMMEs from all six Limpopo municipal districts was conducted to determine the profile of these businesses, to assess what support systems they needed and which ones they used, and to make recommendations for stakeholder support. A response rate of 89 per cent was obtained. Of the sampled SMMEs, 84 per cent were owner-managed, 70 per cent had one to three staff members, and 71 per cent had been in existence for at least 6 years. Nearly 80 per cent of the respondents perceived finance to be inaccessible. The study suggests there is a need for regular surveys and audits of the SMME industry, in order to ensure better support.