BACKGROUND:
Although the South African government recognizes the need to encourage small business and entrepreneurship to create economic growth, the small and medium enterprises sector is declining. The 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report indicates that small businesses are closing at a faster rate than new ones are being formed. Community-based interventions have increasingly been recognized as an effective model for aiding small businesses owners to sustain their businesses. The project sought to develop strategies to sustain small businesses in Vhembe district Limpopo Province.

METHODS:
Participatory methods and Intervention Mapping were adopted: Needs assessment applied to identify the challenges small businesses face in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. A subset of 123 entrepreneurs and small business owners participated. Thirteen semi-structured focus groups aimed at assessing the needs were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content using content analysis.

RESULTS:
Three prominent themes emerged: 1) financial challenges; 2) Marketing skills shortage; and 3) Lack of managerial skills.

CONCLUSIONS:
Workshop was conducted for the participants to address the challenges identified. 66 project managers and small businesses owners attended the workshop. Reflection workshop was also conducted. This intervention may provide a framework by which participants will be able to sustain and manage their businesses.