Start Up 1 Comic Book

p U t r a t S bout a y r o t s ... A S N I G E B NEY ... s s THE JOUR e n i s u b mall s a g n i t r sta

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.

p U t r a t S bout a y r o t s ... A S N I G E B NEY R U O J s ...

E s e H n T i s u b l mal s a g n i t r sta

Hi! I’m Dudu.

Come on in! I’ve been waiting for you.

STORYWORKS Neil Verlaque-Napper verlaque.napper.neil@gmail. com

Start Up is published by Junior Achievement South Africa ISBN 0 9583890 6 3 Copyright © 1998-2013 Junior Achievement & StoryWorks Special thanks to the Eskom Development Foundation for financial assistance towards the development of this resource.

Linda McClure Junior Achievement PO Box 61540, Marshalltown - 2017 Tel: (011) 832-2632 Fax: (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.

THE LANGA FAMILY Gogo Langa has two sons: Wilson and Wiseman. She lives with Wilson’s family.

Mam’Langa looks after the family while Wilson is away from home.

Lerato is 14 years old.

She is in Grade 9.

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

Zakhele is 8 years old.

He is in Grade 1.

Vuyo is the Langa’s first born.

He is very practical with his hands. ▼ 2

Wiseman Langa is known to everyone as “Uncle Chicken”.

Dudu is his daughter.

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

1

CHAPTER

Hello, Mama. How is your arthritis?

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

Mama! Gogo!

It’s Uncle Chicken!

Aah, my granddaughter.

She’s growing so big!

Mam’Langa, where is my daughter?

Oh, it’s good to see you, my son.

You must be tired.

Come inside.

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.

▼ 3

This is news your son Vuyo must hear as well.

Vuyo!

Come here!

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 ...

But there are so many different types of businesses ...

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

Yes, there are.

But most businesses fall into three categories. Can anyone think what they are? ▼ 4

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.

There is also trading.

Son, please have some food before you leave.

Back at the Langa’s yard …

How are things with you, Vuyo, my boy?

Meanwhile, at the seminar ...

What makes a good entrepreneur?

Uncle, things are heavy.

He must want to be his own boss.

Yes! In a trading business, the entrepreneur buys things and then sells them for a profit.

Yes, we call that a service business.

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!

She must have a vision for her business.

She must be creative.

▼ 5

She must be able to look after money.

Thank you, Mama. I will stay for a while.

I am very frustrated, Baba.

He must have perseverance ... staying power.

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.

But, can I really become an entrepreneur?

I could make clothes …

I could start a cleaning service …

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

Later …

I could start my own shop …

Mama, I don’t know where or how, but I will find a job.

Maybe we should think about starting our own business.

Our ancestors will help us!

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

I could …

Oh, Dudu. Your father was here. He brought us bad news …

That night Dudu stays up late, reading ...

We can do this!

▼ 6

2

CHAPTER

You slept late, Dudu, my dear.

I was up half the night reading …

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

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

What is it that you want us to do?

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.

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.

▼ 7

Tsk, Dudu! Where are you going to find a business idea?

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!

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.

I’ll come with you, Ma.

There are all these small businesses … I wonder if they need someone to do their books?

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

Gogo and I can weave baskets. People always admire our designs.

Maybe …

It’s so dusty here.

Maybe we can do people’s gardens …

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.

Yo! That boy!

We’ll carry on. The book He’s so bad says that once we’ve He’s tempered thought of some business frustrated, these days. ideas, we need to do a Ma. feasibility study.

Maybe! Maybe!

Maybe! Duduzile, you’re wasting my time!

A feasiwhat?

▼ 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.

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

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.

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

What questions?

Great! We’ve got 3 business ideas!

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?

▼ 9

Yo! Research, resources, mark ets!

Dudu, you’re d riving me crazy!

And I suppose you want me to ask Vuyo to research his bookkeeping idea, hey?

The next day ...

books.

I don’t keep I don’t make ey! enough mon

Meanwhile …

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

Only a certificate in basic bookkeeping.

Sorry, I need someone with more experience.

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

We can teach people, Gogo. Like you taught me.

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

Hau! Where are we going to find a husband for this girl?

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

So little!?

Try Bhamjee, dear.

He sells anything.

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!

I’ll give you R100 for 50.

That’s my best offer.

But it takes a whole day to make one basket … ▼ 10

Well, there’s definitely no market for our baskets! I hope Mama’s research is more fruitful.

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

Mam’Langa arrives in town.

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

That’s a nice idea for packaging …

They’re all selling the same things!

Sisi, these vegetables are good quality. Where do you buy them from?

The prices are good …

But where am I going to sell?

. I buy Thank you, Sisi salers on from the whole ey’re the Main Road. Th cheapest.

Later …

Oh, these bags are so heavy. And my poor feet …

Excuse me, ladies.

If you could buy good quality fruit and vegetables in the township, would that help you?

… and it’s fresh every day.

I hate carrying all my shopping from town. The drivers are so rude!

Everybody knows me for my discounts.

You should bring your husband.

Yes. But the prices must be good!

Oh, yes. It would help me a lot.

▼ 11

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

I will buy from you.

Hmm … there’s an opportunity here.

Good quality and low price!

Then I’ll buy from you as well.

Are you waiting for someone, Mam’Langa?

Mnisi.

This is old!

No … I’ll walk home with you.

Take it or leave it!

Good luck!

Where is Vuyo?

Mama! How was your day?

He’s playing soccer with his friends ... he came home in a very bad mood.

Very, very good, my child.

Shame. Dudu, how was your market … what?

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

Yo! I spoke to so many people! They need a good fruit and vegetable stall here, so they don’t have to carry everything from town …

Market research. Not good, Mama.

There is no market for our baskets.

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

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.

And with the money Wilson sent, and my small savings, we have the money to start. ▼ 12

3

Hey, Ma! Where are you going? You didn’t tell me …

CHAPTER

All your money?

Yes …

See you later.

Seriously, Mama.

We have important questions to ask ...

Wait, Mama, wait!

You’re moving too fast, Mama!

Well, like … where will you buy your produce?

Where will you store your produce?

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

We have to crawl before we can run.

How much will you buy?

How will you transport them?

We have to plan the business, like the book says ...

How much are you going to charge?

Can you answer all these questions?

What more now, Dudu? What questions?

Back at home ...

Okay, Mama, let’s work through our Business Plan slowly and carefully.

Tsk! What planning?!

I see your point, child.

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 ... ▼ 13

Now you’re thinking like a true business person!

And: What will you be selling?

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

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

Yo! All these questions!

I’ll sell what people use every Okay. Then: What day: tomatoes, potatoes, resources will onions, cabbage, apples, you need? bananas ...

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.

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

About transporting the produce from town …

I can ask Mr Ramogodi to transport it in his taxi.

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.

▼ 14

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 ...

Your prices are the same as at Mr Erasmus.

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.

But, Mama, we haven’t worked out our pricing.

We haven’t thought of a way of transporting the produce to and from the stall.

The post office is still open.

I’m going to withdraw the money …

We haven’t ...

Ohh, all right, Dudu!

But all this planning is making me frustrated.

When can I start?!

We haven’t organised storage with Mrs Ndlovu yet.

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.

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.

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!

▼ 15

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.

The first thing we need to do is to work out your expenses.

That’s right, sisi. Profit is what business is for.

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

Expenses are all the money that you have to pay to run the business.

Like rent, transport, and salaries.

And the margin?

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.

▼ 16

I am beginning to think I’m too old for all this!

4

CHAPTER Dudu’s right. Looking at these numbers, this business can make a nice profit.

Shoo, this is interesting.

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.

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.

Later …

Vuyo, take me through these numbers slowly.

I need to understand everything.

Thabang’s father has a welding machine...

Morning, Gogo.

Morning, Mama.

Morning, Dudu.

Ohh! You’re a darling boy!

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.

▼ 17

I wonder if he’s awake ... I have an idea!

You look happy!

What’s going on?

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

Vuyo, that’s great!

We’re writing our business story!

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

Yes, Mama. And your salary, and any other regular monthly expenses for the business.

Fixed expenses stay the same every month.

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

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.

S OST R400 C D IXE . . . .

F

y .

Salar s ’ a g for ’Lan lovu 10 d Mam N rs . . . R .

M . . o t . .

Rent table r u o our ng R30 3 of stori / 1 ( e . . . . n . o . h . nt) .

Telep Sales Income is all ccou a I like the sound of y our l h 20 3 of R / mont the money that comes into .

1 ( . income better than expenses. . . . . . ricity t . ) c t the business from selling the e l I want money to come into E coun (1/3 ly ac s h product or service. e the business, not go out! t 0 c n 3 i mo . . R Serv ) t d n n u a s cco y Rate hly a t n liver Vuyo, what o e d m r r u pe R40 are these Labour of o (R10 ) . . . t h r t o n p s 0 mo Costs they talk Tran . R53 ies a . r . e . v i el . . . about in the x4d . . . . . . . book?

AL .

TOT 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. ▼ 18

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

After eating ...

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

So, Vuyo, what’s this Cash Flow?

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.

Vuyo. Explain this Start-up Capital?

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

Oh, I’d drink water all day long!

But when people buy This in-and-out of income the veggies from you, and expenses is called new water flows into Cash Flow. the bucket. This is income.

I want my bucket full all the time!

STAR

T-UP Start-up Capital is the C Cart t A P I o tran TAL money you need before sport veg fr f you can start the business r uit an om ho d m e to s to buy the things you will Rent tall R to Mr 5 use for a long time, like 0 s Ndl ovu . .

Patel’s equipment and . . R10 first delive machinery …

Fruit ry . . . and v R 1 0 eg fo r first week . . . . . . . . . .

TOTA R361 L STA RT-U P CAP NEED ITAL ED . .

Now tell me: Can we . . . . . . . . . start? Can I buy my Yes! R431 vegetables now?

Yes!

Well, if all our calculations are correct, this business is going to make money!

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

And I’ll need R50 to buy some materials.

And I’ll need R10 to pay Mrs Ndlovu for storage.

▼ 19

I’ll phone Patel.

Haai, this bucket is getting empty already!

That afternoon ...

Okay, I admit.

I’m feeling excited about this business.

It’s easy when you know how to plan.

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

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

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.

▼ 20

Let’s go!

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.

Later …

Business picked up a little this evening ...

Yes, but people are still carrying packets of veg from town.

Yes, we need to tell people about our stall.

So, how was your first day?

I can tell you that your tomatoes are delicious!

How do you know, Gogo?

Mama, you must write down the day’s sales …

Well, the book talks about the need to promote our business.

I was hoping we’d sell everything …

They don’t know we’re here yet.

That evening …

Hmm, something smells good. I’m going to help Gogo finish cooking ...

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

I took a packet from …

Hau, Mamazala! We must keep the business stock separate from our food for the family.

Yes, we must work out how much money we made!

Okay, Mama.

I’ll help you.

▼ 21

5

The next morning ...

CHAPTER Mama, I’ve got an idea to promote your business ...

All I need is a pocket of oranges … okay?

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.

Uhh … okay, Vuyo.

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.

Now, your passengers don’t have to carry heavy bags all the way from town.

Umm, these are good!

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.

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

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

My child, it would be a great help to me. ▼ 22

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

Tata, let me help you carry it home.

Well … there are six pensioners in my street.

And there is a man in a wheelchair who lives close by ...

Meanwhile ...

The taxi-drivers say they will promote the stall!

That’s wonderful!

Thanks, my boy.

Vuyo, the tomatoes are ripening too quickly in the sun.

You take care of the stall.

I have to rush home. Patel is delivering ...

Let me see what I can do …

I’ll put up some shade.

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 …

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

Dudu, our promotion worked! Some customers said they heard about the stall from the taxi-drivers.

Excuse me, Yes, sisi. It Mfowethu. I’m would be very thinking of useful. I won’t have starting a Fruit to carry these bags and Veg Home all the way from Delivery Service. town!

Would you use such a service?

I’m not sure.

Will it cost extra?

▼ 23

Yes, especially at weekends!

I’m That evening … Patel.

so upset with Mr 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.

Later ...

So, what do you think of my idea? A Home Delivery Service!

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?

Dudu, I think it’s really good. There are some real advantages, but …

And we can make more money!

Yes! We can get more customers …

… and we can buy our fruit and veg cheaper if we buy in bulk.

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. ▼ 24

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

… and I’m sure the church would also use your service.

The next day ...

And try the boarding school.

Meanwhile, in town ...

Mrs Langa, I’m so sorry.

It won’t happen again.

Trust me.

Mr Patel, I am not satisfied with your service. And some of the produce you sent was damaged!

I’ll replace all the damaged goods. I really want to keep your business.

At the stall ...

Heyta, bru! So, this is your new job, hey?

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

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

Thank you, Mr Patel.

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

She said I should come and speak to you …

Yeah, I’m glad you came. ▼ 25

Of course, Mrs Langa.

You’re right.

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

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 …

Umm, it’s an interesting idea ...

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

Excited about what? What service?!

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

What resources would you need?

Agh, Mama, don’t be so old fashioned!

This idea is good for business.

A Home Delivery Service. Fruit and veg delivered to your door!

Yes, this can really make the business grow.

I’m impressed at your creativity. Both of you!

You! A young woman on a bicycle?!

I’m not so sure ...

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.

▼ 26

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

6

CHAPTER

Three 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?

My cousin made it.

Here is his name and address.

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

Yes, my girl.

He’s coming home for the Greet your aunt for me. long weekend, right?

Hey, this could help us a lot.

▼ 27

This is interesting … and it’s well made too!

He’ll make whatever you need.

He knows that every business has its own individual needs.

Go and see him!

Meanwhile, Vuyo and Thabang ...

Thabang, this idea for a lock-up cart is great! This is the second one we’ve sold.

But my fat really m her is getting ad borrowin with us for g machine his welding all the time!

Ja, things are moving fast, man!

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

Meanwhile Mam'Langa ...

In fact, I’ve got an appointment with the business advisor at the seda office this afternoon.

So, your husband is coming home for the long weekend?

He just needs to check the final details …

… and then the loan will be ours!

And so much has changed …

Yes, I’m so excited!

I haven’t seen Wilson for over six months!

▼ 28

Hello, Mrs Langa.

Business is good! This is a big deposit.

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.

Yes, Jabile, it is good. I never knew I could do it!

I wonder what Wilson will think …

Here it is on the model.

Hello. I am Mrs Langa. I have come to confirm my stall. And to pay the first month’s rental.

Oh! This is wonderful!

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

▼ 29

Me, a businesswoman!

Later that afternoon …

So, Vuyo. You and Thabang doing okay?

I’ve brought We’re anxious to get the the Cash Flow loan. We really Projections need our for the next six own welding months. machine.

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

Great, thanks.

The orders are coming in fast!

These figures look very positive, Vuyo.

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

I’m sure your loan application will be successful.

Good luck!

I can see you’re serious about becoming an entrepreneur.

Back in the township …

Try some mangoes, Mrs Jack. These are the last ones left.

▼ 30

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

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

We did well today.

You sold nearly everything!

Great!

Come, I’ll help you pack up.

Thank you, Dudu.

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

That evening ...

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

Remember when we used to struggle to work out all these sums?

Yes. A lot has changed …

We’re doing it for ourselves!

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

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

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 will I find at home …?

▼ 31

What a feast! Papa will be so surprised!

I haven’t sent money for months!

The next day ...

So, Wilson, how do you find things here at home?

I almost can’t believe my eyes.

I am very proud of all of them.

Well, you can imagine my surprise! Look what my family has achieved!

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, let me get you some umqomboti. I have a lot to tell you …

▼ 32

... 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?

Seeing my family doing so well has made me think. Maybe there are opportunities for me here.

Well, my brother, I’m not sure.

▼ 33

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-byStep 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