For many small business owners, the biggest barrier isn’t the work — it’s the language. Business terms used in banking, finance, legal documents, and funding applications often feel confusing, intimidating, or completely out of reach.
That’s why we created the SimplyBiz Multilingual Business Glossary — a practical, inclusive tool designed to make the language of business easier to understand for entrepreneurs across South Africa.
Why we created this glossary
At SimplyBiz, we see firsthand how often small businesses miss opportunities simply because the language isn’t accessible. Entrepreneurs tell us they don’t apply for funding, delay decisions, or sign documents they don’t fully understand — not because they lack ability, but because the terminology creates a barrier.
This glossary exists to remove that barrier.
What makes it different
The SimplyBiz Multilingual Business Glossary was created in collaboration with Melusi Tshabalala from Everyday Speak, bringing together real-world business understanding and deep linguistic expertise. Together, we developed a glossary that includes over 400 essential business terms, clearly explained and translated into all South African languages.
This collaboration ensured that the glossary goes beyond direct translation — it captures meaning, context, and how business language is actually used on the ground.
It’s not academic. It’s not filled with jargon. It’s built for real businesses, in real communities — in language that entrepreneurs can understand, trust, and use with confidence.
What you’ll find inside
The glossary covers key areas every business owner encounters:
- Finance & Banking - Understand terms like cash flow, profit, interest, overdrafts, credit, and budgeting — so you can speak confidently to banks and advisors.
- Legal & Compliance - Get clarity on contracts, registrations, employment terms, and compliance obligations before you sign.
- Business Operations - Learn the everyday language of running a business — from invoicing and pricing to suppliers and expenses.
- Marketing & Sales - Understand the terms behind branding, digital marketing, customer acquisition, and sales growth.
- Funding & Growth - Demystify funding, grants, loans, and financial planning so you can make informed growth decisions.
Built for South African entrepreneurs
South Africa is multilingual, diverse, and entrepreneurial — and our business tools should reflect that reality. By translating the glossary into all South African languages, we’re making sure more entrepreneurs can access information in a way that feels familiar, respectful, and empowering.
How this glossary can help you
- Build confidence when engaging with banks and professionals
- Make informed decisions before signing agreements
- Understand opportunities instead of feeling excluded
- Learn at your own pace, without judgement
- Share knowledge with your team or community
💬 Your voice matters! Explore the glossary, share your ideas in the comments, and help shape the future of business language. Because understanding business should feel empowering — not intimidating.
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