{"id":68990,"date":"2026-09-02T13:48:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T11:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=68990"},"modified":"2026-09-02T13:48:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T11:48:56","slug":"do-these-3-things-before-launching-your-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/do-these-3-things-before-launching-your-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Do these 3 things before launching your small business"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/business-planning\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Business planning<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDo these 3 things before launching your small business\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBefore you open your doors, get these three things right: your business structure, your name and registrations, and the tools that will save you time once you are trading. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-02T13:48:52+02:00\">September 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Do these 3 things before launching your small business\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/do-these-3-things-before-launching-your-small-business\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/author\/yassirmalik\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/Yassir-Malik.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"yassir-malik-profile-picture\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Yassir Malik<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 id=\"h-do-these-3-things-before-launching-your-small-business-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do these 3 things before launching your small business&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you start trading in South Africa, decide on your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>business structure, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>confirm the registrations and compliance requirements that apply to your business, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and choose software that will help you manage day-to-day work. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting these foundations in place can reduce avoidable administration and give you more time to focus on building your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-container is-constrained\"><div class=\"sage-container__inner\">\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaways-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Decide early whether to trade as a sole proprietor or register a formal company<\/strong>. This affects your liability, tax, and paperwork from day one.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm your business name, place of business, and any industry-specific registrations <\/strong>before you start trading.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>VAT registration becomes compulsory once your taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in a 12-month period. <\/strong>This threshold increased from R1 million on 1 April 2026.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose practical software <\/strong>for accounting, project management, communication, and other essential business tasks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-who-this-guide-is-for-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who this guide is for&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide is for sole proprietors, entrepreneurs registering a company, and small business owners preparing to trade for the first time in South Africa.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small business survival toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practical advice to help your business thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-80195606-5387-4569-bfaf-b6a518449b24\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1305268048-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1305268048-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-should-you-do-before-launching-a-small-business-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you do before launching a small business?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make time to work on your business, not only in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you open your doors, prepare for the day-to-day work of running the business as well as the bigger decisions that will shape its direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with these three actions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-1-what-business-structure-should-you-choose-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What business structure should you choose?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will you trade as a sole proprietor or as a registered company?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The structure you choose determines the preparation and ongoing administration your business will need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-how-does-a-sole-proprietorship-work-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a sole proprietorship work?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sole proprietorship is suited to a business run by one individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no legal separation between you and the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means creditors can lay claim to your personal assets, and the business income is included in your personal tax return.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are not required to register a separate legal entity, which means less paperwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can start trading as a sole proprietor and register a company later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your value of taxable supplies exceeds R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period, you must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/vat-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register for Value-Added Tax (VAT)<\/a> with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This threshold increased from R1 million on 1 April 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;You can also register voluntarily once your taxable supplies exceed R120,000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you employ people, you will also need to register for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/a-tax-guide-for-your-first-year-in-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pay As You Earn (PAYE), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF),<\/a> and potentially the Skills Development Levy (SDL).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-changes-when-you-register-a-company-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What changes when you register a company?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registering a company creates a legal barrier between your personal assets and the liabilities of the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A registered company may also find it easier to demonstrate credibility and seek funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In return, you will have more paperwork during registration and on an ongoing basis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VAT and employer registration work in the same way as they do for a sole proprietor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A registered business may also need a valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) from SARS and a Letter of Good Standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TCS is the current SARS system, accessed through eFiling, that has largely replaced the old paper tax clearance certificate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-quick-structure-check-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick structure check&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose a sole proprietorship if you want a simpler structure and understand that there is no legal separation between you and the business.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider registering a company if you want a separate legal entity and are prepared for additional administration.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the tax, employer, and industry requirements that apply before you start trading.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small business survival toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practical advice to help your business thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-80195606-5387-4569-bfaf-b6a518449b24\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1305268048-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1305268048-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-nbsp-2-how-do-you-confirm-your-name-location-and-industry-registrations-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;2. How do you confirm your name, location, and industry registrations?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business name, place of business, and industry can affect the checks and registrations you need to complete before you start operating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-check-and-protect-your-business-name-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check and protect your business name&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have chosen a name:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm that the name is available using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govchain.co.za\/name-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Govchain<\/a> or a similar name-search service.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register a web domain that includes the name using <a href=\"https:\/\/za.godaddy.com\/domains\/domain-name-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GoDaddy<\/a> or another domain provider.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider registering the trademark with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) if this is necessary for your business.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are still choosing a name, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/allbusiness\/2016\/10\/23\/12-tips-for-naming-your-startup-business\/?sh=52babdd8904e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business naming resource<\/a> may help you develop and assess options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-choose-your-place-of-business-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose your place of business&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep rental costs manageable when you are starting out, and take care before committing to a long lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to run the business from home, check what your local rules and property arrangements allow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read this overview of <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.property24.com\/articles\/what-are-the-legalities-of-running-a-business-from-home\/27363\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>the legal considerations when running a business from home<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the business address when opening your business bank account and on your invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will also need it if you register the business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-check-industry-specific-requirements-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check industry-specific requirements&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some industries require registration with a regulatory body before you can legally operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, you may also need a licence or a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) affidavit or certificate to compete for work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, check the relevant registration requirements if you work in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psira.co.za\/psira\/index.php?option=com_fsf&amp;view=faq&amp;catid=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">security<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhbrc.org.za\/registration-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">home building<\/a>, construction, cleaning, or health and safety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-before-you-start-trading-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before you start trading&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check that your chosen business name is available.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm the address you will use for banking, invoicing, and registration.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify the regulator, licence, or industry registration that applies to your work.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm whether customers or contracts require a B-BBEE affidavit or certificate.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-nbsp-3-what-software-should-a-new-small-business-use-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;3. What software should a new small business use?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose tools that solve an immediate business need and are realistic for your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with the tasks that take the most time or create the highest risk if handled inconsistently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Business need<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Example tool<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>What it can help you do<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Office productivity&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-za\/microsoft-365\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft 365<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and business email.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Accounting and payroll&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Manage invoicing, cash flow, supplier payments, VAT returns, and payroll.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Project management&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/asana.com\/uses\/project-management?opti-ch=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Asana<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Keep project information and tasks in one place.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team communication&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/slack.com\/intl\/en-za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slack<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Support communication and collaboration as your team grows.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Email marketing&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/pricing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mailchimp<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Send emails to customers and keep your community informed.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Data visualisation&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/en-us\/s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tableau Public<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Turn business data into visual information that is easier to understand.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Learning&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blinkist.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blinkist<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Access summaries of non-fiction books and podcasts.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review each tool before committing to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best choice will depend on your business needs, budget, team, and existing processes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small business survival toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practical advice to help your business thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-80195606-5387-4569-bfaf-b6a518449b24\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1305268048-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1305268048-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-bonus-keep-records-of-your-start-up-costs-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus: keep records of your start-up costs&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep invoices and receipts for the costs you incur while preparing to trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These records can help you support any deductions you claim and make it easier to manage your finances once the business is operating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about how eligible costs may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/vat-toolkit-for-small-businesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduce the taxable income of your business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because tax treatment depends on the nature and timing of the expense, confirm the position with SARS or a qualified tax professional.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-mistakes-to-avoid-before-launching-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common mistakes to avoid before launching&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choosing a business structure without understanding its liability and tax implications.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using a business name before checking whether it is available.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missing an industry registration, licence, or other requirement.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Waiting until the business grows to understand VAT and employer obligations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failing to keep invoices, receipts, and other financial records.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buying software before defining the business problem it needs to solve.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-should-you-do-next-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you do next?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you launch, choose your business structure, complete the checks and registrations that apply, and put simple systems in place for finance and operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good preparation will not remove every challenge, but it can help you spend less time fixing avoidable problems once you start trading.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-faq\">\n\t\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-on-things-to-do-before-launching-your-small-business\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions on things to do before launching your small business<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-items\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-91dac792\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-do-i-need-to-register-my-business-before-i-start-trading-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do I need to register my business before I start trading?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not necessarily.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can trade as a sole proprietor without registering a separate legal entity.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may still need to register for VAT once your taxable supplies pass the compulsory threshold, and for PAYE and UIF if you employ people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-eb3850d1\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-vat-registration-threshold-for-a-new-business-in-south-africa-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the VAT registration threshold for a new business in South Africa?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compulsory <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/vat-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VAT registration<\/a> applies once your taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in a 12-month period.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This threshold increased from R1 million on 1 April 2026.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also register voluntarily once taxable supplies exceed R120,000. Confirm current thresholds with SARS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-81256d8e\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-difference-between-a-sole-proprietorship-and-a-registered-company-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a registered company?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sole proprietorship has no legal separation between you and the business.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your personal assets can be used to settle business debts, and business income is included in your personal tax return.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A registered company is a separate legal entity, which limits personal liability but brings more registration and ongoing compliance requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-41339d9a\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-tax-compliance-status-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Tax Compliance Status?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tax Compliance Status is the SARS system that confirms whether your tax affairs are in order.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;It has largely replaced the old paper tax clearance certificate and is accessed through eFiling.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-52e82847\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-do-all-businesses-need-a-b-bbee-certificate-or-affidavit-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do all businesses need a B-BBEE certificate or affidavit?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all businesses.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The requirement depends on the size of the business and the organisations you want to work with.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many small businesses can complete an affidavit rather than obtain a formal audited certificate.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confirm the requirement with a B-BBEE consultant or verification agency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-ba34e490\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-which-industries-require-additional-registration-before-i-can-start-trading-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which industries require additional registration before I can start trading?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industries such as security, building and construction, cleaning, and health and safety may require registration with a specific regulatory body.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, security providers should check PSIRA requirements, while home builders should check NHBRC requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-3a7ab1a8\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-software-does-a-new-small-business-need-first-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What software does a new small business need first?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with software that supports essential tasks such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoicing, accounting, payroll<\/a>, office administration, and communication.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add other tools only when there is a clear business need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Editor&#8217;s note: This article was originally published in April 2021 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice enewsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-84fe79b5-668d-41f8-a0cc-6229018c4ac9\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/business-strategy\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness Strategy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/compliance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCompliance\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/tax\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTax\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-76618 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-business-strategy tag-employee-benefits tag-hr-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman stands in front of the Sage glowline with a black background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/HPF_Static_Danielle_Option1-Final-1440x720-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-09T15:29:07+02:00\">September 9, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-employee-experience\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhat is employee experience and why is HR struggling to deliver it?\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tDiscover the biggest barriers to improving employee experience and practical steps to create more time for people-focused work.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-69417 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-compliance category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-compliance tag-hr-payroll tag-regulation tag-tax business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/checklist-preparing-for-and-processing-tax-year-end\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T13:00:00+02:00\">August 27, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tChecklist: Preparing for and processing Tax Year-End\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-76358 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-profit-loss business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-reports-guide\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Two businesswomen looking at report on tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-04T12:39:10+02:00\">June 4, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe ultimate guide to accounts payable reports and reporting\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-76331 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-profit-loss tag-staying-competitive tag-tax business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-process\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-04T11:51:14+02:00\">June 4, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is the accounts payable process? Steps, workflow and how to improve it\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-76318 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-inventory-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/abc-analysis\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T15:45:55+02:00\">June 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">17 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is ABC analysis in inventory management? Definition, steps and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before you open your doors, get these three things right: your business structure, your name and registrations, and the tools that will save you time once you are trading. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":68903,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[{\"keyword\":\"Launching a small business in South Africa\",\"score\":72},{\"keyword\":\"Starting a business in South Africa\",\"score\":61},{\"keyword\":\"Small business startup checklist\",\"score\":61},{\"keyword\":\"Small business planning\",\"score\":61}]","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"33","sage_membership_post_content_type":"article","sage_membership_post_featured_video_id":"","sage_membership_post_video_type":"trailer","sage_membership_post_featured_video_duration":"","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33,35],"tags":[313,316,321,213],"business_type":[2],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[15,16],"imagine_tag":[68,83,57,99,85,86],"coauthors":[401],"class_list":["post-68990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-planning","category-compliance","tag-bookkeeping","tag-business-strategy","tag-compliance","tag-tax","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-za","author_name":"Yassir Malik","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/iStock-1134062212-scaled.jpg","imagine_tags":{"68":"Grow your business","83":"Growing business","57":"HR and Payroll","99":"HR software","85":"Small business","86":"Start up business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice South Africa","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1774"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68990"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76607,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68990\/revisions\/76607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/68903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=68990"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=68990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}