That Business Thing
Our Story
A journey through South African entrepreneurship and why we built That Business Thing to change the game.
Where It All Began
During this era, traders and entrepreneurs who dreamed of building something great could start small. A modest space, a few shelves, a front counter and courage were enough. From these beginnings, many businesses were born and grew into thriving community landmarks.
Where It All Began
During this era, traders and entrepreneurs who dreamed of building something great could start small. A modest space, a few shelves, a front counter and courage were enough. From these beginnings, many businesses were born and grew into thriving community landmarks.
The Mall Era
As the 90s rolled in, malls and shopping centres began to dominate. They promised convenience and foot traffic. One by one, shopkeepers moved from the streets into bright glass storefronts. For some, it was survival; for others, an opportunity for growth.
The Mall Era
As the 90s rolled in, malls and shopping centres began to dominate. They promised convenience and foot traffic. One by one, shopkeepers moved from the streets into bright glass storefronts. For some, it was survival; for others, an opportunity for growth.
The Quiet Streets
The towns grew quieter as small shops shut their doors. Pharmacies, doctor's rooms, retailers and banks left the high streets. For many, the dream of building their own business faded, replaced by the need for a steady paycheck.
Parents encouraged safer careers. The entrepreneurial spark dimmed as communities adjusted to a new reality.
The Quiet Streets
The towns grew quieter as small shops shut their doors. Pharmacies, doctor's rooms, retailers and banks left the high streets. For many, the dream of building their own business faded, replaced by the need for a steady paycheck.
Parents encouraged safer careers. The entrepreneurial spark dimmed as communities adjusted to a new reality.
The Spark Returns
The spirit of entrepreneurship never died. Side hustles started popping up, like weekend markets, school fields and parking lots. People found ways to test ideas, sell products and earn extra income. It was a first taste of independence for many, and the start of something new.
The Spark Returns
The spirit of entrepreneurship never died. Side hustles started popping up, like weekend markets, school fields and parking lots. People found ways to test ideas, sell products and earn extra income. It was a first taste of independence for many, and the start of something new.
The Digital Revolution
A new revolution arrived: social media. Anyone could showcase and sell products online. Door-to-door couriers and modern payment tools made transactions seamless. Entrepreneurship in South Africa revived, hope returned, and people began to thrive.
Yet, even in this exciting new chapter, something was still missing… Many still struggled to find local businesses and services online. Great providers went unseen simply because they lacked a strong online presence.
The Digital Revolution
A new revolution arrived: social media. Anyone could showcase and sell products online. Door-to-door couriers and modern payment tools made transactions seamless. Entrepreneurship in South Africa revived, hope returned, and people began to thrive.
Yet, even in this exciting new chapter, something was still missing… Many still struggled to find local businesses and services online. Great providers went unseen simply because they lacked a strong online presence.
This is where we come in.
Many great providers go unseen simply because they lack a strong online presence. That Business Thing changes that.
Our Purpose
That Business Thing
Equal Playing Field
That Business Thing was built to give every business, big or small, a place to be found. Our mission is to level the playing field, giving everyone an equal chance to compete while connecting customers directly to the businesses they need.
Built for Your Neighbour
It's for your neighbour who bakes incredible biscuits and deserves to be discovered. It's a foundation for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive.
A Second Chance
It's also for those once steered away from business, the kids pushed into "safe" careers, now able to launch side hustles, follow passions and build something of their own.
A Community
This is more than a platform. It's a community, one that will thrive if its people find real value in it, support one another and grow together.
More than a platform