SmartClean Detergents
| Business Location: | Township |
| Province | Free State |
| Branch: | Lejweleputswa |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Manufactures and retails a range of cleaning detergents, including dishwashing liquid, medium-duty solvent cleaner (multipurpose degreaser), thick bleach, ammonia all-surface cleaner, and pine gel.
Challenges/Needs:
At the time of the initial engagement with SEDFA, the business experienced several operational and growth-related challenges:
• Limited knowledge of procurement and tender procedures
• Absence of a formal business plan
• Slow growth in clientele and reliance on sales agents
• Limited understanding of the target market and lack of formal market access
• Low profitability and inability to meet large orders due to limited raw materials and equipment
• Poor marketing visibility despite professionally packaged products
• Insufficient funding to expand production capacity and distribution
• No access to export markets
• Partial product testing with no full SABS approval
• Inadequate and semi-manual production equipment
• Lack of structured mentorship and business linkage support
These challenges affected the business’s ability to scale, formalise operations, and access larger markets.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
When the client visited SEDFA, the Business Advisor met with Mr Khauhelo Maruping and conducted a business diagnosis to identify the core challenges affecting growth and sustainability.
Based on the diagnosis:
• The client was referred to NYDA for business development support
• A Business Plan Voucher was secured
• A Financial Management System Voucher was approved
• The business received grant funding of R38 000 in 2022
• The client also accessed the Asset Assist Programme in 2024 to support operations
SEDFA remained involved through advisory support, referrals, and monitoring, while identifying outstanding gaps that still require intervention, particularly in funding, accreditation, and production capacity.
Based on the diagnosis:
• The client was referred to NYDA for business development support
• A Business Plan Voucher was secured
• A Financial Management System Voucher was approved
• The business received grant funding of R38 000 in 2022
• The client also accessed the Asset Assist Programme in 2024 to support operations
SEDFA remained involved through advisory support, referrals, and monitoring, while identifying outstanding gaps that still require intervention, particularly in funding, accreditation, and production capacity.
Outcome Details:
The SEDFA intervention yielded measurable and early-stage positive results:
• The business’s turnover increased from R15 960.00 to R20 280.00, showing a growth of R4 320.00, which represents a 27.1% increase, mainly due to improved packaging and labelling support.
• Employment increased from 2 to 5 employees, resulting in 3 new jobs created, which is a 60% increase in employment, contributing to local job creation in Kutloanong.
• Total business expenses rose from R14 058.00 to R19 219.00, an increase of R5 161.00 (36.7%), driven by higher generator fuel costs and the engagement of three sales agents on commission.
• The business remained operational with a net profit of R1 061.00, although this reflects a decrease of R841.00 (44.2%) compared to the previous assessment, indicating the need for improved costing and pricing.
The Sedfa intervention improved the professional appearance and market readiness of products through enhanced packaging and labelling, supporting increased sales, while full SABS approval remains outstanding for some products.
• The business’s turnover increased from R15 960.00 to R20 280.00, showing a growth of R4 320.00, which represents a 27.1% increase, mainly due to improved packaging and labelling support.
• Employment increased from 2 to 5 employees, resulting in 3 new jobs created, which is a 60% increase in employment, contributing to local job creation in Kutloanong.
• Total business expenses rose from R14 058.00 to R19 219.00, an increase of R5 161.00 (36.7%), driven by higher generator fuel costs and the engagement of three sales agents on commission.
• The business remained operational with a net profit of R1 061.00, although this reflects a decrease of R841.00 (44.2%) compared to the previous assessment, indicating the need for improved costing and pricing.
The Sedfa intervention improved the professional appearance and market readiness of products through enhanced packaging and labelling, supporting increased sales, while full SABS approval remains outstanding for some products.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“The support from SEDFA has helped me understand my business better and improve how I manage operations and finances. I am confident that with continued support, my business will grow further and access bigger markets.”
