To better support SMEs across South Africa, Vodacom Business has launched V-Hub. Customers will have access to online guides, videos and webinars, and a chat and phone service putting businesses directly in touch with experts about specific questions. The service also draws on the expertise of local partners and industry leaders to help business owners get the help they need to succeed. Content caters to different levels of understanding, from beginners to those with greater knowledge of digital services.
It is crucial that SMEs be given all of the assistance they need to recover from the Covid-19 crisis. The past few months have shown that companies that invest in digital services have weathered the storm better by using technology to quickly adapt the way they work. We want to help those now looking to use digital technologies and ensure that they are on the right track to thrive
“With a wealth of knowledge and expertise at our disposal, Vodacom Business is perfectly poised to support SMEs on their digital transformation journey, which can seem daunting to tackle without the right partner by your side', explains Vodacom Business Executive Head for SME and SOHO, Nastassha Dooks.
A resource hub for local business
This innovative, easy-to-use platform brings CIO digital-advisory business solutions to the table. These services are two-fold.
First, Vodacom Business Customers who own an SME can request one-on-one advice over the phone for free, from a local specialist on anything from IT decision making to tech set-up and troubleshooting. Secondly, any SME owner can access the digital Knowledge Centre for free through Vodacom's website.
Crucial digital-advice services are grouped under five topic categories on the Knowledge Centre. Understanding that 55% of SMEs cite shrinking customer demand as a challenge, Finding and Keeping Customers is one of the categories SMEs can browse. With nearly 60% of SMEs saying insufficient support from banks is an obstacle, the Knowledge Centre also covers information on how to access funding and apply for tenders under the Business Opportunities and Support category.
The Workplace category gives sage advice on remote and hybrid office set-ups, while Business Continuity and Security tackles all-important topics like securing your cloud data or protecting your business from mobile phishing. The last category, Digital and Data, looks at making social media work for your SME.
Over and above the five topic categories, the Knowledge Centre also shares details on SME Solutions and Events and offers monthly SME Bulletins on stories small businesses should read to stay in the know.
Growing together
“SMEs only need to go online for immediate access to the fantastic content and functionality that V-Hub offers,” notes Dooks. “This is a portal we are proud of and will continuously expand on, tackling more and more topics of interest to our local market over time.”
Find out more
The V-Hub platform is one of many solutions that Vodacom Business offers to SMEs, taking them further together on their future-proofing transformation. To take the next step on your digital journey with V-Hub, click here
