“Counting your beans.” This was the theme for the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) Nelspruit’s first event of the year. They held it at Southern Sun Mbombela on Thursday February 8. The aim was to kick the year off with a blend of knowledge and flavour.

Mari Wasserman of Steinberg & Kie was the speaker of the day. She did an enlightening discussion on tax and finance, complemented by a Coffee 2 Canyon tasting experience. Wasserman said when planting the bean, one needs to prepare the soil and protect the seed.

ALSO READ: Mbombela’s Indoor Flea Market continues to grow

“In the same way when you are part of a business, you need to prepare the soil. This comes with choosing the correct entity structure or company or trust, depending on what you want to do and how big you want to grow. There are certain registrations you have to do. Make sure you register for everything to ensure that you protect yourself, the same way that you would protect your seed.

“The software you would use is very important, because that is your soil. With all the new software coming out, you need to make sure whoever your accountant is knows the programme,” she explained.

ALSO READ: Phola centenarian still going strong

Tracy-Erin Duggan of SACBW Nelspruit said their calendar year started off on a high note. “We got to learn the ins and outs of making coffee, coupled with the fundamentals for our business. There were old faces and new faces. Those who want to be part of this networking session and to join the council can do so. We will host our events every second Thursday of the month.”