Small Business Starter Guide

Set up the business properly before transactions multiply

A new South African business needs more than a company number. Ownership records, tax registrations, banking, contracts, invoicing, bookkeeping and employer obligations should work together from the first sale or appointment.

Practical start-up sequence

Confirm the legal structure, directors, shareholders, beneficial-ownership records and CIPC maintenance responsibilities.

Open a dedicated business bank account and adopt quotations, contracts, invoice numbering and approval controls.

Configure bookkeeping categories, customer and supplier records, document storage and monthly bank reconciliations.

Assess income tax, provisional tax, VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL and COIDA obligations based on actual activities and employees.

Build visibility from month one

Prepare a simple budget and cash-flow forecast covering sales assumptions, gross margin, overheads, tax and owner funding. Review profit, debtors, creditors and cash monthly instead of waiting for the first annual return.

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