Founder: Thulani Shivuri
Entrepreneur

BUSINESS ACTIVITY

My core business is agro-processing and distribution. I specialize in processing Moringa into Food and Pharmaceutical products.

BUSINESS PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING ON CED

When I joined the CED in 2019 I had recently registered my company. Prior to enrolling at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) I had 3 years of experience in food fortification and agro-processing. I also had 2 unsuccessful attempts in the agro-processing business.

With technical skills and minimal business set-up and management knowledge and attributes, most of my business activities were focused on research and product development and sampling. My research was aimed at finding an alternative natural source for food fortification (increasing of micronutrients in processed foods). I started experimenting with Moringa for food fortification in 2018.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS SINCE ENROLLING ON CED

I have acquired essential business knowledge, skills, attributed and networks that are helping me to make more effective progress in both the technical and operational aspects of my business.

I received a grant for product development from the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP). I received another grant for marketing materials from the GEP. I have access to sponsored product testing with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
Amongst other things I learnt how to identify and approach different markets. Through the CED network, I am working on acquiring the necessary business and product documents that will enable the business to supply its products to the various formal distribution channels as it expands.

POSITIVE BUSINESS OUTCOMES ATTRIBUTED TO CED PARTICIPATION

My interpersonal interactions with suppliers, service providers and clients have improved drastically. I am now confident in my engagements with stakeholders. I’ve learnt the importance of business administration, compliance and record keeping. My business has compiled documentation for internal and external business affairs. I am doing product presentations in markets that seemed too farfetched prior to my involvement in the CED programme.

ASPIRATIONS FOR THE BUSINESS

My goal is to develop Scottish Empire Holdings as a client and results-focused marketing agency that can meet local customer brand and grow into an international brand solutions provider.

NEXT LEVEL FUNDING REQUIREMENT AND WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH OF THE BUSINESS AT THIS NEXT LEVEL

R250 000. This money will be invested in getting compliance certifications, business operations and production equipment’s. The business is anticipated to get access to formal markets at this level and we are looking at making a monthly turnover of R100 000 plus once we have settled in this next level.