Let’s be honest — many small businesses across South Africa are still built on cash.
It’s quick, reliable, and it keeps things moving.
But here’s the catch: when most of your income lives in cash, your business looks smaller on paper than it actually is.
That’s a problem when it’s time to apply for funding — because funders don’t just want to know you make money; they want to see it.
So, how do you keep doing business your way while still building the kind of record that makes funders take you seriously?
Let’s break it down
Step 1: Make Your Cash Visible
Start small.
Whenever you receive cash payments, deposit a portion into your business bank account every few days — even if it’s not the full amount. The goal is to show a consistent pattern of income, not perfection. That bank trail tells funders: “Yes, this business is active.”
Step 2: Give Customers Easy, Trackable Ways to Pay
Not everyone will want to swipe a card, but offering digital payment options — like QR codes, EFT links, or mobile POS systems — gives you flexibility and proof of sales.
You can still collect your money fast, but now it’s captured in your system where funders (and you) can see it clearly.
Step 3: Record Every Rand — Automatically
You don’t have to juggle spreadsheets or remember every sale at month-end. Simple tools can help you record all income and expenses in real time. One we’ve seen small businesses use effectively is Sage Business Cloud Accounting — it quietly tracks your inflows, connects to your bank, and turns your daily hustle into clean, funder-ready reports.
You don’t have to talk about it — your numbers will.
Step 4: Keep Your Invoices as Proof of Sales
Every sale deserves a receipt or invoice — even if it’s paid in cash. Invoices act as your financial evidence: they prove that money moved, products were sold, and customers exist.
When you apply for funding, these small details can make a big difference.
Step 5: Build a Routine That Shows Stability
Funders love patterns.
So build one: deposit regularly, track every transaction, and stay consistent.
It’s not about changing your business overnight — it’s about making your business visible.
Because when your income becomes trackable, your business becomes fundable.
P.S. Clean, organised books aren’t just for funding — they make managing your business simpler too. If you haven’t tried a digital accounting tool yet, start exploring your options today (Sage has a 3-month free trial worth checking out).
SME Funding Summit 2026 is on the Horizon!
After an inspiring 2025 summit that connected entrepreneurs, funders, and industry leaders to spark real conversations about SME growth in South Africa, we’re getting ready to make next year even bigger.
Catch the highlights from this year’s event and join the waitlist for exclusive early access to the 2026 summit.
