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Business Readiness Check

Where does your business stand today?

Rate 25 statements about your idea, plan, money, compliance, marketing and support. It’s free, takes about five minutes, and you don’t need to give your name. You’ll get a readiness level and the best courses to start with.

Idea & customers
1. I can explain the problem my business solves in one sentence.
2. I know exactly who my first customers are.
3. I have spoken to at least ten potential customers about the problem.
4. Someone has paid, pre-ordered or committed to buy from me.
Business model & plan
5. I know how my business will make money, not just what it sells.
6. I know who my competitors are and why customers would choose me.
7. My plan for the next 12 months is written down.
8. I could explain my business to a funder in two minutes.
Money
9. I know what it costs me to make or deliver one unit of my product or service.
10. My prices cover my costs and leave a profit.
11. I keep my business money separate from my personal money.
12. I record every sale and expense.
Registration & compliance
13. I know which business structure suits me (for example sole proprietor or (Pty) Ltd).
14. My business is registered, or I know the steps to register it.
15. I know which taxes apply to my business.
16. I know how to look after my customers’ personal information.
Marketing & sales
17. Customers can find my business online, for example on WhatsApp Business or Google.
18. I have a simple way to reach new customers every week.
19. I can take payment in more than one way (cash, card, EFT or QR).
20. I follow up with customers after they buy.
Support & operations
21. I have a mentor or advisor I can go to for business advice.
22. I know where to find the supplies or stock I need, at a fair price.
23. Someone can help me run the business when I can’t be there.
24. I have a plan for load-shedding, theft or illness.
25. I set aside time every week to work on the business, not just in it.