Tanzanite Guest house
| Business Location: | Urban |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Branch: | Amajuba |
| Business Start Date: | 2001-01-20 |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Guest House
Challenges/Needs:
The owner approached SEDFA for assistance with business development interventions as she had no prior business skills on how to operate, manage and grow a business. Some of the challenges experienced were a lack of business skills such as business planning, business administration and marketing. Ms Sosibo had limited financial resources necessary for building extensions and renovations. Renovations required to the property were extra rooms, expansion of the kitchen and air-conditioners for each guest room. Ms. Sosibo experienced challenges with promoting the guesthouse and increasing clientele.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
An assessment (Small Business Assessment Tool) was completed on the client’s business which identified gaps and outlined the proposed interventions necessary to assist the client in closing those gaps.
A site visit was conducted, and it was discovered that the client had no marketing material suitable for the industry in which she operates. The guest house did not display a professional image to attract the required clientele. SEDFA assisted with the installation of signage (Light-Box).
In October 2024 SEDFA Amajuba in partnership with EXXARO held a Pitch for Funding Competition for clients within Dannhauser Municipality to pitch their businesses to stand a chance of winning a R250 000.00 prize money. Ms. Sosibo was enrolled by SEDFA in the Pitch for Funding Masterclass, a coaching session designed to empower the participant with the necessary tools and techniques on how to pitch her business. Thereafter, Ms. Sosibo was allowed to pitch to a panel of judges.
A site visit was conducted, and it was discovered that the client had no marketing material suitable for the industry in which she operates. The guest house did not display a professional image to attract the required clientele. SEDFA assisted with the installation of signage (Light-Box).
In October 2024 SEDFA Amajuba in partnership with EXXARO held a Pitch for Funding Competition for clients within Dannhauser Municipality to pitch their businesses to stand a chance of winning a R250 000.00 prize money. Ms. Sosibo was enrolled by SEDFA in the Pitch for Funding Masterclass, a coaching session designed to empower the participant with the necessary tools and techniques on how to pitch her business. Thereafter, Ms. Sosibo was allowed to pitch to a panel of judges.
Outcome Details:
Outcome/ Results
As a result of SEDFA's intervention, Tanzanite Guest House managed to increase its client base locally and internationally. The signage (Light Box), increased the visibility and improved the business’s competitiveness, thus attracting and broadening its clientele. The business received an increase in the number of bookings for long-term stays from corporate clients such as SANRAL, Department of Education and ESKOM.Ms Sosibo also received international guests from the United Kingdom, who came to visit the nearby tourist attractions.
SEDFA conducted an Improvement Assessment of Tanzanite Guest House, realizing the following business improvements:
• Turnover increased from R43 300 per month to R59 000 per month during the period of assessment, an increase of 36,26%.
• The company increased employment by adding four new jobs whilst sustaining three, an increase of 133%.
• Ms. Sosibo also won the prize money of R250,000.00 after participating in the EXXARO Pitch for Funding Competition. The prize money was utilized to add two extra guest rooms, bringing the total number of guest rooms to seven. Further renovations included the installation of air-conditioners and the extension of the kitchen.
As a result of SEDFA's intervention, Tanzanite Guest House managed to increase its client base locally and internationally. The signage (Light Box), increased the visibility and improved the business’s competitiveness, thus attracting and broadening its clientele. The business received an increase in the number of bookings for long-term stays from corporate clients such as SANRAL, Department of Education and ESKOM.Ms Sosibo also received international guests from the United Kingdom, who came to visit the nearby tourist attractions.
SEDFA conducted an Improvement Assessment of Tanzanite Guest House, realizing the following business improvements:
• Turnover increased from R43 300 per month to R59 000 per month during the period of assessment, an increase of 36,26%.
• The company increased employment by adding four new jobs whilst sustaining three, an increase of 133%.
• Ms. Sosibo also won the prize money of R250,000.00 after participating in the EXXARO Pitch for Funding Competition. The prize money was utilized to add two extra guest rooms, bringing the total number of guest rooms to seven. Further renovations included the installation of air-conditioners and the extension of the kitchen.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“My interaction with SEDFA has been nothing short of amazing. I am grateful for the professionalism, quality of service and dedication towards growing my business’”.
