Knowledge Centre

Turn your idea into a business with budgets, projections, and smart structuring. 

Starting a Business 

1. What You Need to Know  

Starting a business means more than registering a company, it means proving your idea in numbers. 
 

Accountants help entrepreneurs project revenue, estimate expenses, and calculate profit before any money is spent. They also advise on the best legal structure (sole prop, CC, Pty Ltd) and how to register correctly with SARS and CIPC. 

2. Why It Matters to You

  • Here’s why having an accountant from day one gives you an edge: 
     Shows you how much money you’ll need and how much you’ll make. 

  • Avoids cash-flow shocks that sink new businesses. 

  • Keeps you compliant with CIPC and SARS from the start. 

  • Makes your business more credible with banks and investors. 

3. Frameworks, Standards, or References 

Building a strong foundation requires proven frameworks and compliance basics. 

  •  Frameworks to use: Business Model Canvas (map your idea), Startup Budgeting templates, Break-even analysis. 

  • Standards & compliance: Companies Act (CIPC registration), Income Tax & VAT Acts (SARS registration). 

  • References: CIBA Practice Standards for SME support. 

  • What your CBAP accountant will actually do: 

  • Review your business model and strategy 

  • Build a financial model to test your idea’s profitability 

  • Help set up your accounting system 

  • Prepare 12-month budgets and cash-flow forecasts. 

  • Register your business with CIPC, SARS, and other regulators and agencies.  

  • Advise on the most tax-efficient structure. 

4. How to Apply  

Practical steps to launch your business correctly: 

  1. Research your idea and build a business model 

  2. Make an appointment with your CBAP accountant  

  3. Agreement the engagement terms  

  4. Ask for a detailed list of services  

  5. Agree a monthly or per service fee.  

  6. Agree the work schedule with your CBAP. 

  7. Submit your documents monthly to your CBAP. 

  8. Send your bookkeeper to the free CIBA Bookkeeper course  

  9. Register with CIBA as a Corporate Member so your finance staff get free CPD  

  10. Review your monthly management accounts prepared by your CBAP to stay on track. 

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Avoid these traps most first-time entrepreneurs fall into: 

  • Skipping budgets → Always project at least 12 months ahead. 

  • Overestimating sales → Use conservative, evidence-based assumptions. 

  • Picking the wrong structure → Get tax and liability advice first. 

  • Ignoring compliance → Don’t miss CIPC or SARS deadlines. 

  • Confusing the business revenue as your salary → The business is separate from you, keep your private and business activities separate.