South Africa’s first on-demand bookings marketplace platform for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), iTorho, and a subsidiary of Torho Technologies has officially launched. Aiming to facilitate broader inclusion for local SMMEs, the new platform enables users to locate a skilled service provider in their immediate location.
In addition, as an on-demand marketplace, iTorho enables listed SMMEs with the tools to improve customer relations and efficient business management.
Founded by entrepreneur and investment expert, Njabulo Khulu, iTorho is a free online marketing platform for SMMEs that is challenging the traditional classified market by facilitating discoverability, bookings, payments, and complete business process management.
Khulu provides insight into the aims of iTorho. “Our key objective is to support SMMEs and improve the growth potential of the informal sector.”
How does it work?
Entrepreneurs and SMMEs owners are able to do the following on the new and innovative platform:
- List their product/offerings
- Manage bookings with clients
- Manage client information
- Receive payments
Using AI, iTorho is able to identify revenue-generating opportunities for the listed SMMEs. According to the new tech startup, it has over 100 listed SMMEs from around the country and across 27 different categories, ranging from catering to finance.
Khulu explains that only 20% of small business owners use e-commerce in their businesses on a regular basis, but due to the digital uptake during COVID-19, it’s become a case of either adopt or die since eCommerce keeps businesses relevant.
“Now more than ever, SMMEs need a marketplace where customers are able to locate them, book appointments, and pay online, after all, convenience is the ultimate currency.”
The rise of digitisation
The global pandemic ushered in innovative thinking for many business owners, as they changed their business model or adjusted to a more digital approach to reach more customers.
With over three million South Africans losing their job within the first months of lockdown, locals have used their skill set to create their own small business.
Tying into the creation of iTohro, Khulu explains that the creation of these small and micro businesses is critical to the survival of the economy and many South African’s livelihoods.
“These businesses are crucial not only for putting food on the table for the entrepreneurs and their families but also for the country’s ailing economy. Small, medium, and micro enterprises – also known as SMMEs – have long been recognised as a driving force for alleviating economic challenges such as job creation and poverty,”
SMMEs can sign up for the free online platform here.
