An impact analysis of the access and use of mobile technology on the performance of small businesses in Noordwyk

M.Com. (Local Economic Development)Abstract: There has been an increased drive and commitment by the South African government, as demonstrated in South Africa’s current economic policies, to promote the growth and development of SMEs in order to achieve long-term economic goals. However, despite the efforts by government to implement these policies to strengthen the sector, there remains a high rate of failure and closing down of SMEs. Literature indicates that the use of mobile technology by small businesses improves how the business performs and increases its likelihood of success. This technical research project sought to identify the access and use of mobile technology by small businesses in Noordwyk and its impact on their performance and success. A positivism approach was assumed and followed a quantitative research method. Surveys that were conducted through the use of standardised questionnaires to collect data revealed that small business owners in Noordwyk have access to mobile technology, with the majority owning about 3.4 devices on average, and that they make use of mobile technology extensively in the running of their businesses. The costs associated with the use mobile technology such as the cost of data and airtime are some of the obstacles that hinder small business owners from taking full advantage of the benefits of mobile technology. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram play an important role in the marketing and branding of small businesses and small business owners in Noordwyk confirmed this fact. Future research should focus on how mobile technology impacts productivity and profitability in small businesses. In addition, it is recommended that the South African government can look into subsidising small businesses with regards to the costs associated with the use of mobile devices, over and above the funding initiatives in place