Introduction

Rea Agi Consulting Engineers, a 100% black-owned engineering consultancy firm founded by Telalo Lekalake, has been providing civil, structural engineering, and project management services since 2017. Despite its expertise in various sectors, the company sought interventions to diversify its offerings and establish a digital presence. Through Intasol Construction Services’ three-month Supplier Development Programme, the company received quick-win solutions to accelerate its growth trajectory.

The Challenge

Operating in a saturated market as a sole entrepreneur, Telalo faced challenges in diversifying the company’s service offerings and establishing a strong digital presence to reach new clients. These challenges hindered the company’s ability to expand its market reach and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

The Solution: Intasol Construction Services’ Supplier Development Programme

Intasol Construction Services contracted Zevoli Growth Partners to manage their Supplier Development Programme, with the key objective of onboarding participants as service providers and impart non-financial interventions in addressing developmental gaps where they may exist.

Zevoli Growth Partners provided Rea Agi Consulting Engineers with tailored interventions to address its specific needs through the three-month Supplier Development Programme, which provided market access readiness mentorship sessions focused on repackaging the service offering, identifying potential stakeholders, digital networking, pitch preparations, and proposal development. The swift development of a new website, as well as a grant for Prokon Design Software subscription, were facilitated through the programme.

Impact and Results

The quick-win interventions significantly impacted Rea Agi Consulting Engineers. The acquisition of critical software tools, which the company could not afford before, enhanced operational efficiency and capabilities in structural design work, while the new website resulted in an improved digital presence and potential for lead generation. The mentorship on market readiness enabled the diversification of service offerings and the development of proposals targeting potential clients like Northam Platinum and Sasol, leading to scheduled introductory meetings for pitching their business offerings.

Telalo commended the swift and focused interventions, stating, “The interventions allowed for diversification within my field, resulting in expanding market opportunities.” Additionally, the software support led to “efficiency in operations and more capabilities.”

Conclusion

Rea Agi Consulting Engineers has experienced transformative impacts through the short-term Intasol Construction Services Supplier Development Programme. The tailored interventions have addressed their specific challenges, unlocking new growth opportunities and positioning them for long-term success in their respective industries. This case study showcases the power of targeted business development support in driving growth and success for entrepreneurs and small businesses.