Nedbank supports SMEs through innovative banking and beyond

As a small-business owner in KZN, life isn’t easy at the moment, and you don’t need the added pressure of managing your banking and financial needs. Because your business and personal finances are so interdependent, Nedbank has designed a banking solution that enables you to manage both through a single point of contact: your dedicated relationship banker.

Nedbank’s provincial manager for Relationship Banking in KwaZulu-Natal, Melanie Reddy, says that the bank offers round-the-clock support to clients through various channels. 'Our relationship bankers are supported by a dedicated contact centre team that is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.'

Reddy holds an MBA and a Bachelors’ degree in Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has worked for Nedbank for 18 years, 11 of which she has focused on small-business and professional banking. She says that Nedbank offers tailored small-business banking accounts for each business owner’s unique needs. 'For example, our Startup Bundle is tailored for sole business owners with a turnover of less than R3 million a year and offers zero monthly service fees for the first six months, as well as up to 20 free transactions, eNotes and more. Our GAP Access finance is a finance option that is an advance, not a loan, with flexible repayment terms, available to clients who use our merchant devices, so we do not require financial statements to provide the finance. This is proving popular as we rebuild our province’s economy together.'

According to Reddy, Nedbank’s support of small businesses goes beyond affordable banking solutions. 'We also provide value-added services to get and keep your business going, like our networking platform, SimplyBiz.co.za, which is free-to-join for all entrepreneurs, whether they’re Nedbank clients or not. This portal has some exciting happenings, such as our #handsup for small business’ continuity through the crisis campaign, which offers masterclass videos with Margaret Hirsch and Deshun Deysel, power chats with the Henley Business School Africa, practical tips, articles and downloadable templates to help entrepreneurs navigate through this crisis. Our Business Goals Programme gives 50 Nedbank small business clients the opportunity to benefit from a three-month personalised coaching programme, win cash and advertising to the value of R25 000 each to get to their next business goal; and our upcoming Youth in Gear Café will equip 18-35 year old business owners to refine their businesses through a digital and finance workshop, providing them with the practical tools to keep their businesses growing and thriving.’

Reddy adds that small-business owners qualify for Nedbank’s Professional Banking solution, which offers the best value for money in the market. 'Our private-banking solution dovetails beautifully with our small-business offering and enables clients and their families to finance their dreams and growth. It also means they benefit from private-banking travel, rewards and lifestyle perks for the entire family, up to 55 days of interest-free credit at personalised interest rates and 100% loans on vehicle finance and home loans.'

To find out more about how Nedbank can help you achieve your business and personal financial aspirations in one place, contact Melanie Reddy on melanier@nedbank.co.za or +27 (0)83 631 1691 or send an email to smallbusinessservices@nedbank.co.za.

Melanie Reddy

Regional Manager for Professional Banking and Small-business in KwaZulu-Natal