Getting new businesses on the map

Intent on bridging the gap between small businesses and consumers, Midrand resident Thapelo Mashamaite together with his wife, Noluthando, have developed an online business directory site called iMallSA.com.

Officially launched earlier this month, Mashamaite explained that the site took two years to develop.

Thapelo said, “iMallSA.com is more than a business directory. It is a real life mall. On iMallSA.com you can buy products directly from our listed businesses. You can buy anything from shoes to handbags, pool cleaning services and products – virtually anything.”

Mashamaite added that essentially the site assisted small businesses to:

• Sell products and services online (a complete e-commerce alternative)

• Be found online (improves Google rankings)

• Receive quote requests directly

• Receive client ratings

• Create and promote events

• Sell event tickets.

“We want to become that link for small businesses to have bigger access. As it is small businesses which really struggle to deliver and fulfil goods, iMallSA.com wants to change that,” Mashamaite said.

Already one step closer to doing just that, Mashamaite is in discussions with RAM Hand to Hand Couriers, South Africa’s trusted courier company.

This he explained is a huge leap, taking into account the challenges they had faced to get the site going.

Mashamaite advised aspiring entrepreneurs to go out there and do everything they could to ensure their businesses succeeded.

“If it’s a shoe line that you want to put out there, start with the left shoe, get it out there. Start small if you have to. But make sure you start.”

Read more:

Botle’s Dance Fitness gives back to the needy

Carlswald Montessori collects beanies for charity

WhatsApp scammers mine for your data gold