"Entrepreneurs and growing businesses have a crucial role to play in South Africa's GDP, job creation, economic growth and meeting sustainable development goals — however, they also face incredible challenges," says Sean Jackson, head of business cash solutions at Investec.

"By sponsoring a platform that brings their stories to the fore and provides access to information, ways of doing business and advice, [we] build an incredible network of information that can be used to uplift and grow small businesses," adds Jackson.

The Making SMEs Matter podcast is in its third season and is rated the top podcast for business owners in South Africa. It is produced by SME Africa and hosted by Marnus Broodryk, who is also a thought leader and advocate for small business owners.

"Business owners are hungry for good and relevant content that will help them build bigger and better businesses. [For] this season, we are stepping up a gear and are talking to some of South Africa's biggest and most well-known entrepreneurs who will share their journeys and most valuable lessons learnt," says Broodryk.

"We need to do everything we can to support small businesses in South Africa, and it's exciting to see these big names doing their part and having a partner like Investec come onboard," adds Broodryk.

The last season saw listeners enjoy hearing from industry leaders and entrepreneurs of large, well-known companies — including the likes of Brian Altriche, founder of RocoMamas — and covered aspects like women in business, defining purpose and funding.

Season three is set to cover addition key areas including:
  • How to tackle an international market (USN)
  • Growing a business online (Netflorist)
  • Building a powerful team and culture (Sorbet)
  • Focusing on growth (Investec)
"These exclusive conversations between top South African entrepreneurs is a great way to showcase our market's diversity and the innovation and grit needed to succeed," says Jackson.

"It also provides an avenue for small businesses to draw similarities to their own business and use the advice and guidance from those who found themselves in similar situations to overcome their challenges and build a better business. If we are able to help a few additional small businesses succeed through the podcast and information shared, the knock-on effect can unlock massive economic potential," concludes Jackson.

For more information, visit www.marnusbroodryk.com. You can also follow the Making SMEs Matter podcast on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Making SMEs Matter