# The 2026 State of the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises report shows that South Africa’s small businesses are surviving, but many are struggling to scale. The Shoprite-sponsored study, based on 800 businesses, finds 32.1-percent have operated for more than 20 years. Forty-two-percent describe themselves as growing, while 56.9-percent say access to markets remains the biggest obstacle. More than 90-percent rely on personal resources, while only 9.7-percent use bank loans, highlighting persistent funding challenges.
Report indicates SMMEs survive but struggle to scale