Starting a Business
The structure you choose today determines your personal liability, tax efficiency and what happens to the business if something happens to you. Get it right from the beginning - restructuring later is expensive and complex.
Choosing Your Structure
Which business structure is right for you?
This isn't just a registration decision - it determines your personal liability exposure, tax treatment and succession options.
Sole Proprietor
You trade in your own name. Simplest to set up but offers zero asset protection - creditors can claim your personal assets.
Private Company (Pty Ltd)
A separate legal entity. Your personal assets are protected from business creditors (with limited exceptions). Most recommended for any business with risk exposure.
Trust + Company structure
A trust owns shares in the operating company. Combines asset protection with estate planning benefits and potential tax efficiencies.
Partnership
Two or more people share profits and losses. Each partner is jointly and severally liable for partnership debts - all personal assets are at risk.
Beyond the Structure
Structure is just the beginning
Once you've chosen your structure, you need the right agreements to protect both the business and your personal wealth - shareholders agreements, buy-sell arrangements funded by insurance, employment contracts with restraint clauses, and proper succession planning.
Your business is likely to become your largest asset. Without proper estate planning from day one, it may need to be sold at a discount to pay estate duty - or your family inherits a business they can't run.
The right foundation saves millions later.
We'll help you choose the right structure, draft the necessary agreements and ensure your personal wealth is protected from your business risks - from day one. Getting this wrong at inception creates problems that compound over years.
Build It Right
Structure your business for success and protection.
We'll help you choose the right structure, draft the necessary agreements and ensure your personal wealth is protected from day one.