Latest news with #ETTP
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
New research initiative targets high-growth entrepreneurs in South Africa
A new research project aimed at uncovering insights into high-growth entrepreneurship in South Africa has been launched by Entrepreneurship To The Point (ETTP) and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (Agof). The initiative, announced on 16 July 2025, builds on a 2024 study that explored youth entrepreneurship during election season. The latest phase shifts focus from survivalist enterprises to high-potential businesses that can scale, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. 'We are moving beyond survivalist narratives to spotlight scalable, job-creating businesses that drive innovation, productivity, and inclusive economic growth,' said Maphefo Sipula, eTTP's head of research and impact. The research will explore the characteristics, challenges, and systemic barriers faced by high-growth entrepreneurs across sectors and regions. It aims to produce data-driven insights to guide policymakers, funders, and business support organisations. Key areas of focus include: - Closing the data gap on high-growth firms in South Africa - Highlighting barriers to scale such as finance, infrastructure and market access - Delivering practical recommendations for support organisations, policymakers and investors - Identifying untapped entrepreneurial potential beyond urban centres RTTP and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation are encouraging all stakeholders, including investors, accelerators, support organisations and government actors, to participate in the study by sharing insights, contributing data, and helping to amplify the findings. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: US tariffs threaten SMME exports, says ETTP
South African small businesses could face a major blow after the United States confirmed a 30% tariff on all local goods from 1 August 2025. Entrepreneurship to the Point (ETTP) is calling on government and stakeholders to urgently protect the country's export-ready SMMEs from the fallout. The tariffs, announced in a formal letter from US President Donald Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 July, are expected to hit small and emerging exporters hardest — especially black-owned businesses that have only recently entered global value chains. 'This decision poses a real and immediate threat to the South African SMME sector,' said Shawn Theunissen, founder of ETTP and Property Point. 'Years of work in building export pipelines could unravel overnight.' ETTP, which works to strengthen the country's entrepreneurship ecosystem, says the impact of these tariffs will go beyond just trade disruption. Theunissen warned of knock-on effects for job creation, investor confidence, and the broader transformation of the economy. To limit the damage, eTTP is urging swift, targeted intervention. Its proposed actions include: - A small business trade relief fund to absorb losses - Fast-tracked access to alternative export markets - Support with compliance and recertification for new trade zones - Advocacy for sector-specific tariff exemptions While diplomatic efforts continue, eTTP says the time for contingency planning is now. 'We support the president's diplomatic engagement, but we cannot afford to wait,' Theunissen added. 'South Africa's economic resilience depends on how we support our small businesses through this moment.'
