OPEN FOR BUSINESS
From page 37
In one respect plot owners in Gauteng are blessed when compared with smallholders and farmers in other provinces . Firstly , should you wish to enter the export field , producing cut flowers , mini vegetables or herbs , for example , you have on your doorstep sub-Saharan Africa ' s busiest international airport , with daily flights to any market you may wish to serve on our continent or overseas . But if exports seem a bit daunting there is a large urban market at your doorstep . According to economists ' figures the Johannesburg market is under-served by the agricultural sector of Gauteng . Your plot ' s position on a main road might allow you to open a farm stall or its position in relation to townships or informal settlements may also mean that you have a source of labour as well as a possible market .
Most important is to inform yourself about the laws and regulations that govern your chosen activity .
Even in a small province such as Gauteng , where you are situated will make a difference to your climate , which will dictate the kind of horticulture that can be undertaken successfully . ❑ Resources and Facilities : What your plot comprises , in terms of topography , geology and development will also dictate what you can successfully do upon it . The number , size and type of buildings on your plot will also make a difference . A plot with a large barn or stable blocks will be suited to a different form of income generation from one with small cottages dotted on it . ❑ Budget : Some say a plot is a bottomless pit into which you throw money and , certainly , developing any enterprise on one ' s plot will require some degree of capital , if not for buildings
and facilities , then at least for fertiliser , seed , animals , feed , machinery or other raw materials . ❑ Knowledge : It helps if you have some skills , knowledge and experience of the enterprise that you ' ve chosen . Find out about courses that are available and look for books on the subject and search the Internet . Most important is to inform yourself about the laws and regulations that govern your chosen activity . You might need to acquire permits for example and you also need to know what health and safety rules might apply . Check with the relevant government departments as to whether they offer assistance and information . ❑ Interest : The motivational gurus call it “ passion ” or “ drive ”. Whatever one calls it , it ' s the glue that holds all the parts of a business together . For there will be setbacks . Drought or frost might wipe out your crop or disease will kill your animals or your main market could disappear . The extent to which you can rise above these setbacks and forge ahead again undaunted will dictate whether your enterprise will thrive or fail . ❑ Business plan Some smallholders drift into a business from their plot ~ perhaps you have excess fruit , vegetables or crops which you sell and realise that there is a demand for your goods . Or you are so successful at your preserving or bottling that friends and neighbours are clamouring to buy your products . Other smallholders consciously set out to start a business from their plots . But however you go about it , you ' ll need a plan , particularly if you need to borrow money to realise your dream .
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