
SME optimism fades as confidence slips
Business Partners’ Q1 2025 SME Confidence Index finds early-year optimism has been eroded – driven chiefly by budget uncertainty, a R75bn revenue shortfall and global volatility.

Business Partners’ Q1 2025 SME Confidence Index finds early-year optimism has been eroded – driven chiefly by budget uncertainty, a R75bn revenue shortfall and global volatility.

Despite economic challenges, 81% of SMEs expect business growth in the next year, with confidence in the political landscape boosting optimism.