Students create digital service desk for SMMEs

A digital service desk that helps small businesses to access subsidised digital transformation and compliance services, has been developed by graduate students.

The service was created and driven by Forge Academy students who recently completed the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) certification. The academy reports that more than 200 small businesses have subscribed to the services.

"We have made this service available to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across all sectors needing assistance scaling their businesses. The Digital Service Desk removes administration hurdles and reduces the need to acquire digital skills. Businesses need freedom and time to focus on their vision and deeper customer relations. The net effect of matching industry needs to expertise on hand is digital job opportunities for youth,” says Forge Academy CEO Arthur Wade Anderson.

Services offered by the help desk include company compliance, website services, funding applications, digital marketing, public relations, virtual assistance for project management tasks and an information technology service desk.

"SMMEs will benefit from this help desk. It affords entrepreneurs sharper focus to run their business while we assist with activities like compliance and digital marketing. We want to support SMMEs in their journey to success with the hopes of creating much-needed employment," said Forge Academy COO Craig Clutty.

The prerequisites for SMMEs to register with the help desk follow the National Small Business Act and include:

Microenterprise

• Between one to five employees
• Annual turnover must be less than R0.15-million
• An informal setup such as no licence or formal business premises
• Basic business skills and training
• Potential to make the transition to a viable small business

Small enterprise

• Less than 100 employees
• Annual turnover must be less than R10-million
• More established being formal and registered with a fixed business premises
• Owner-managed with a more complex management structure

Medium enterprise

• Up to 200 employees
• Annual turnover of less than R20-million
• Mainly an owner-managed business with a decentralised management structure 
• The company operates from fixed premises with all formal requirements in place.

The help desk team sets up virtual meetings with SMMEs to understand their operation and then creates a tailored suite of services best suited to their business needs. The initiative is supported by partners including EIMS Africa, GCRA, Mineworkers Development Agency and Praesignis.