Elevate Procurement Dialogues - with Lerato

Funding the Forgotten SME: PO & Invoice Funding with Sourcefin

Winning a tender or securing a purchase order is only the beginning. For many SMEs, the real challenge is having the cash flow to deliver. In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I speak to Jedd Harris from Sourcefin about purchase order and invoice funding, and how these funding solutions can support SMEs that are often overlooked by traditional finance. We unpack what makes an SME fundable, how Sourcefin approaches PO and invoice funding, the risks entrepreneurs must understand, and why pricing, documentation and delivery readiness matter before taking on larger contracts. This conversation is for SMEs, suppliers and entrepreneurs who are ready to grow, but need to understand how to fund delivery responsibly and sustainably. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: * LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata * YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCfmnfUe8QsdrtmKliUu5rwA] * Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

Using AI To Win Tenders | Kweku Quansah, Inventor of tenders.bid & AppLab

In this episode, I sit down with Kweku Quansah, founder of tenders.bid and AppLab, for an important conversation on how AI can help businesses approach tenders more strategically. Kweku developed tenders.bid to help businesses access tender opportunities more intelligently, and in this discussion we unpack what AI could mean for the future of tendering, supplier readiness and smarter bidding. We talk about how businesses can use AI to improve how they search, prepare and respond to opportunities, while also being clear that technology is not a substitute for business readiness, strategy and execution. This is a valuable conversation for SMEs, suppliers and entrepreneurs who want to understand how the tender space is evolving and how to position themselves better in a more digital environment. In this episode, we discuss: * How AI is changing the tendering space * How businesses can use AI to prepare better bids * Why smarter tools still require strong business fundamentals * The role of platforms like tenders.bid in opportunity access * What the future of bidding could look like for SMEs A practical and forward-looking conversation for businesses serious about growth through procurement. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: * LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata * YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCfmnfUe8QsdrtmKliUu5rwA] * Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

Procurement Tips & Realities businesses face when trying to access larger markets

In this episode of the Procurement Dialogues Podcast, Lerato Sebata sits down with Obakeng for a practical and insightful conversation on what it really takes for SMEs to grow through procurement opportunities. The discussion unpacks the realities many businesses face when trying to access larger markets, win opportunities, and position themselves more strategically in the supply chain. From readiness and visibility to partnerships and execution, this episode speaks directly to entrepreneurs who are serious about building businesses that can compete and deliver. If you are an SME owner, supplier, or entrepreneur looking to better understand how to navigate procurement and unlock growth, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: * What SMEs often get wrong when pursuing opportunities * The importance of positioning, readiness and credibility * Why visibility matters in supplier growth * The role of partnerships in business expansion * Practical insights for businesses wanting to grow through procurement Tune in for a real and grounded conversation filled with insights for businesses ready to move from chasing opportunities to building for long-term growth. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: * LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata * YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCfmnfUe8QsdrtmKliUu5rwA] * Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

Building Multiple Businesses as a Female Entrepreneur | Bold Woman Award winner by Veuve Clicquot

In this episode, I sit down with Refilwe Sebothoma to unpack her journey of building multiple businesses as a female entrepreneur and what it has taken to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose. As a Bold Woman Award winner by Veuve Clicquot, Refilwe shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and the realities of building from the ground up. This is a powerful conversation about ambition, navigating challenges, creating impact, and staying bold in business. If you are an entrepreneur, business leader, or woman building something meaningful, this episode will leave you inspired and challenged to think bigger. In this episode, we explore: *  Building multiple businesses  *  The realities of female entrepreneurship  *  Leadership, resilience, and vision  *  Lessons from growth and setbacks  *  What it means to build boldly and with purpose  Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a woman who continues to build, lead, and make an impact. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: * LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata * YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCfmnfUe8QsdrtmKliUu5rwA] * Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

ESD That Builds Resilient Black-Owned Businesses | Keegan Moodley, CEO of GROW Impact

Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes are designed to unlock opportunities for SMEs, yet many businesses still struggle to transition from participation to sustainable growth. In this episode, we sit down with Keegan Moodley; Founder & CEO of GROW-Impact to unpack the realities of supplier development, business readiness, and the mindset required for SMEs to scale successfully. Keegan shares valuable insights from working closely with businesses and development programmes, highlighting where many entrepreneurs go wrong and what it really takes to position a business for growth. The discussion explores:  • Why many SMEs fail to maximise ESD opportunities  • The gap between funding and true business readiness  • What corporates actually look for in emerging suppliers  • Practical ways entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses for long-term sustainability This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, development practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of SME growth and supplier development in South Africa Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: * LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata * YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCfmnfUe8QsdrtmKliUu5rwA] * Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support