Standard Bank shines spotlight on SMEs
Deenash Pillay, head of small business segments at Standard Bank, discusses the bank’s focus on SMEs and their upcoming panel discussion with experts on enterprise banking and sustainability at the Organic & Natural Products Expo in Cape Town, 17 April 2026.
April 16, 2026
In today’s unpredictable economic climate, what does it truly mean for a small business to be “financially healthy”?
While profitability was once the sole metric of success, the modern world demands more. In a recent interview on 702 and Cape Talk, Deenash Pillay, Head of Small Business Segments at Standard Bank, dives deep into the shifting landscape for South African SMEs. As the official sponsor of the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa, Standard Bank is committed to helping entrepreneurs move beyond survival and toward sustainable growth.
Watch the interview below:
Key highlights from the discussion:
Beyond the balance sheet:
Deenash discusses how global factors—from fluctuating fuel prices to international policy shifts—impact local SMEs and why “financial health” now includes a business’s ability to weather unexpected economic shocks.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
From mixing personal and business finances to underpricing products, Deenash identifies the common mistakes that hinder growth and offers practical advice on real-time financial tracking.
The power of sustainability:
There is a massive opportunity for SMEs to tap into the growing demand for organic and natural products by focusing on value-addition, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly practices.
Going global:
Discover how Standard Bank supports South African businesses in expanding beyond our borders, utilizing digital platforms and trade networks to enter new markets.
Join the experts at the Organic & Natural Products Expo in Cape Town
Standard Bank is proud to be the official sponsor of the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
We invite you to join us on Friday, April 17th, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM for a dedicated session. Their panel of experts will unpack enterprise banking, sustainability, and supplier development to help you build a more resilient and competitive business.
Ready to grow? Click here to purchase your expo tickets and visit the Standard Bank team to learn how we can support your business journey.
About the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa
The Organic & Natural Products Expo is back in 2026 with two exciting events confirmed for Cape Town and Johannesburg, continuing the growth of South Africa’s leading platform for health, sustainability and conscious living.
Cape Town: 17–19 April 2026 | Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Johannesburg: 7–9 August 2026 | Sandton Convention Centre (SCC)
Contact Organic & Natural Products Expo:
Warren Hickinbotham