Hundreds of deals, some valued in the billions of Rands have been struck in the intervening years, and BEE compliance has become a set standard for business in this country.
 
However, just what effect has this relatively new condition for business had on local SMEs?
 
Examining the impact of BEE on the small business is one of the key questions that will be tackled by the 2006 SME Survey, in which the opinions of some 6000 companies will be surveyed, says principal researcher Arthur Goldstuck.
 
An annual enterprise, SME Survey has probed factors behind the competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises since 2003. This year the study will examine the effects of BEE on competitiveness in a two-month research period.
 
Having itself recently concluded an empowerment deal to ensure its own compliance with BEE requirements, SME Survey will tackle this and related issues which are pertinent to the small business.

Vuyo Jack, chairman of Bonngoe Capital, which has taken a stake in SME Survey, notes that BEE will play an increasingly important role for SMEs.
 
Organisations of all sizes must contribute to empowerment initiatives; while the contributions from SMEs are not onerous - as government does not want to impose added constraints on entrepreneurs - it is nevertheless a market force that all companies should be aware of. SME Survey will gauge how smaller companies are approaching BEE, and the impact positive or negative that it has on their ability to perform, he says.
 
The survey is backed by Standard Bank and Oracle, two organisations which believe firmly in the contribution of the SME sector to the continued growth of the SA economy.
 
Nikki Kearns, director of business banking at Standard Bank, believes that it is necessary to increase the level of entrepreneurship, business ownership and black participation in the economy.

This activity needs to be supported by adequate and reliable infrastructure in which we all play a part. Government, civil society and business from the corporate level to the SME - all have a responsibility to support the growth of economic development.

"As such, Standard Bank believes the goal of the 2006 SME Survey will yield important intelligence on perceptions of BEE from the perspective of the SME.
 
Standard Bank has developed approaches to support BEE development with educational breakfasts, leveraged finance and contract finance solutions aimed at SMEs and agricultural clients.

"These teams and products support business owners in the development of their BEE strategies, she says.
 
The SME market is an important focus area for Oracle. Andrew Krause, Oracle applications director. notes that the organisation has considerably increased the scope of its software and services offerings, and now provides affordable and scalable business applications for SMEs.

There are many influencers on competitiveness availability of enabling software is one thing; an understanding of the business climate is another.

"Oracle therefore looks forward to the findings of the survey, which will provide insight into how this critical market sector is responding to BEE legislation, he says.