Smartins Group
| Business Location: | Urban |
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Branch: | Nelson Mandela Bay |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
SMARTINS GROUP is a start-up business that is 100% owned by Siphosethu Martins, a young, black, astute business operator with vast experience across various industries, including business consultancy and trucking.
The core business activities of SMARTINS GROUP focus on operating a distribution line for diesel and other petroleum-related products to industries operating fleets of buses, as well as trading and distributing liquid fuels to the entrepreneur’s main business interests, government-related state-owned companies, and other plant and equipment businesses. The company does not have storage facilities and will procure directly from manufacturers, distributing products directly to business premises.
The company’s product range includes, but is not limited to:
• Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
• Oxygenates
• Methanol
• Propane
• Base Oils
• Bitumen
• Diesel
• Fuel Oils
• Marine Fuels
• Oil and Gas Additives
Challenges/Needs:
The business required funding to acquire an additional bakkie to expand its services. Although SMARTINS GROUP was well-regarded by existing customers, it had limited exposure to a broader portion of its target market.
As a growing business, SMARTINS GROUP also needed assistance to manage operations more effectively to compete and increase market share.
Mr. Martins approached SEDFA to enquire how SEDFA could assist with access to finance, improved business operations, and maximum exposure to the target market
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
To address these challenges, SMARTINS GROUP sought assistance from SEDFA and was supported by Thabo Ngwadla, Business Advisor at the Nelson Mandela Bay Branch, who conducted an assessment of the business. After identifying key gaps, he recommended a series of interventions to help move the business forward.
Mr. Siphosethu Martins successfully applied for the Asset Assist Programme, which provided the necessary financial support. This assistance enabled the business to acquire the required bakkie and improve its operational efficiency
Mr. Siphosethu Martins successfully applied for the Asset Assist Programme, which provided the necessary financial support. This assistance enabled the business to acquire the required bakkie and improve its operational efficiency
Outcome Details:
Through SEDFA’s business support, the business achieved the following results:
The Asset Assist Support Programme (AAP) application was approved for R250,000, enabling the purchase of an additional Mahindra bakkie and increased delivery capacity.
Access to finance provided the business with greater exposure in the local market, allowing it to service a larger client base.
Business turnover increased from R970,225.22 to R1,100,554.00.
Employment grew from 3 to 8 permanent staff members
The Asset Assist Support Programme (AAP) application was approved for R250,000, enabling the purchase of an additional Mahindra bakkie and increased delivery capacity.
Access to finance provided the business with greater exposure in the local market, allowing it to service a larger client base.
Business turnover increased from R970,225.22 to R1,100,554.00.
Employment grew from 3 to 8 permanent staff members
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
Thank you, SEDFA, for helping our business grow. SEDFA’s investment in our business has been extremely significant, allowing us to expand our brand, improve our capacity, and increase our turnover
