Export involvement processes employed by small businesses requiring government support in the City of Tshwane

Abstract

Small Businesses (SBs) in the city of Tshwane increasingly engage in export activities due to higher growth rates. The South African government recognises the significance of SBs, resulting in support programmes to increase involvement in export markets. However, SBs still face export challenges from internal and external sources. This study explored export involvement processes of SBs in the City of Tshwane. 20 participants took part in a qualitative data collection method using observation and semi-structured interviews. Atlas.ti software was used to analyse the data. Findings suggest that SBs are confronted with varying constraints affecting commitment in export involvement processes. Low levels of awareness and participation in export programmes make it difficult to determine their contribution to the export involvement of SBs. Recommendations are for an evaluation of government export programmes accompanied by export education and training programmes to ensure that SBs achieve desirable outcome of export involvement in various export markets.