Small businesses often need help with problems such as:

• How to write a business plan
• Where to find some money to start a business
• Where to sell their goods and services
• Training for staff (for example, in bookkeeping or computer skills)
• How to tender for a contract

The government department primarily responsible for helping SMMEs is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The DTI has set up organisations to help SMMEs but there are also many non-profit organisations that provide assistance.

The National Small Business Amendment Act (No 29 of 2004) provides for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the incorporation of organisations such as Ntsika Enterprise Promotion Agency, the National Manufacturing Advisory Centre and any other designated institutions into SEDA. SEDA is part of the DTI group of institutions.