How compliance and paperwork can assist you with funding readiness

June 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

A recent finfind report, in partnership with African Bank , titled “finfind South African MSME Access to finance report 2025”, the report states that accessing necessary capital has always been a tremendous obstacle for a small business looking to establish itself. I am sure this statement is true not only in the South African context, but across the world, and I am equally sure that most of you can relate with personal experiences, as you have been navigating your journey.

The Importance of Elevating Marketing Governance on the Board Agenda

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

In the fast-paced business world, where strategies evolve and markets transform, the significance of brand marketing cannot be overstated. A recent study by the Marketing Science Institute underlines the profound impact of effective marketing governance on overall business performance, emphasising the strategic importance of the board's oversight on marketing matters. The study revealed that boards with at least one marketing-experienced director witnessed a three-percentage point increase in total shareholder return. Their "outside-in" perspective complements the internal operational focus of typical board members. The invaluable "been there, done that" perspective these directors offer on rebranding initiatives, strategic partnerships, and customer insights adds a layer of depth to board discussions.

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership: A Multifaceted Approach

August 20, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

In May, I had the honour to speak at the 1st Annual Corporate Governance Triangle Annual Colloquium with the theme “Diversity and Inclusion; Adopting A Multi-Stake holder approach in the promotion of good governance”. I spoke on a panel with the focus on Breaking Barriers: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership Roles, which is a topic that is close to my heart both as a woman and as an advocate for equity and overall good corporate governance.

Data Rooms - Find your inner Hermione Granger!

August 11, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

In our article last week on the power that is Momentum, we wrote that you must be prepared at all times to move fast when you see or even just feel any opportunity, especially when it comes to investors. Something quite obvious we felt you answer, but then we actually asked the question as to who among you even had a half decent Data Room ready just in case, to pull out of the hat when needed? That was a bit mean of us to put you on the spot like that, but hey, that’s why you pay the big bucks for membership [Still all for free and always will be - Ed!], - we ask the difficult questions.

Compliance For Success

June 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

What do you think I mean if I have to ask you the question; “Is your business compliant”? Most new business owners don’t understand what compliance is required in their type of business. Compliance will be different for different industries and income brackets.

Let’s trade, shall we? Part 2: Governance in Business

October 2, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Tsitsi Mutendi

This week we continue on our journey with Ms. Olivia Simbajena. Ms. Simbajena is a businesswoman whose business falls under the category of SME and MME. Hers also falls under the category of Family Business. As we have defined before, a Family Business is a business started by an individual for the benefit of his or her family and is then run by the individual to serve the interests of their communities as well as those of their family. A Family Business’s main characteristics are that a family owns the majority shareholding of the business. However, from the characters and their situations, although fictional, we are starting to see that there are dynamic intricacies that affect Family Businesses. Laying down a foundation by introducing our fictional business owners will help to establish context when we go in-depth and unpack more problems and solutions for Family Businesses.

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