FIX·IT
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Business Start-Up Guide

The full sequence, from first job to fully compliant trade business, in the order that actually works.

Last updated
02 Aug 2026
Reviewed by
FIX IT Compliance Team
Official source
SEDA

1What is it?

A sequenced roadmap for turning a skill into a compliant business. Most providers get stuck because they attempt the steps in the wrong order — this guide sets out the order that avoids dead ends.

2Who needs it?

  • Artisans going out on their own for the first time
  • Providers who have been trading informally and want to formalise
  • Anyone unsure which registration to do first

3Who doesn't need it?

  • Established businesses already holding all core registrations.

4Registration categories

Phase 1 — Identity and basics

ID, proof of address, bank account, FIX IT provider account.

Phase 2 — Legal entity

CIPC registration or sole-operator declaration, SARS registration.

Phase 3 — Trade authority

Trade qualification and the statutory registration for your trade.

Phase 4 — Risk cover

Public liability insurance, COIDA where you employ, Letter of Good Standing.

Phase 5 — Growth

VAT if you cross the threshold, memberships, staff, commercial contracts.

5Why is it important?

Doing this in the wrong order wastes money. You cannot get a Letter of Good Standing before COIDA registration, and you cannot register with PIRB before you hold a qualification.

6Benefits

  • A clear, ordered path with no wasted applications
  • Faster route to a verified FIX IT profile and job offers
  • Fewer rejected documents and re-submissions
  • A realistic view of total start-up cost

7Step-by-step guide

  1. 1Confirm your identity documents are current and get a proof of address.
  2. 2Open a bank account in your business or personal trading name.
  3. 3Create your FIX IT provider account and complete identity verification.
  4. 4Decide sole operator or company — register with CIPC if you choose a company.
  5. 5Register with SARS and get your tax number in order.
  6. 6Complete or confirm your trade qualification.
  7. 7Apply for your trade registration (PIRB, Wireman's, SAQCC Gas, PSIRA as applicable).
  8. 8Take out public liability insurance appropriate to the work you do.
  9. 9Register for COIDA the moment you take on your first helper, and get your Letter of Good Standing.
  10. 10Upload every document to the FIX IT Business Centre and complete verification.
  11. 11Set your coverage areas, services and availability, then start accepting work.

8Supporting documents

  • ID and proof of address
  • Bank confirmation letter
  • Trade qualification
  • CIPC documents where applicable

9Costs

Government fees

Realistically R200 – R500 for CIPC, nothing for SARS, and COIDA assessments once you employ.

Training costs

Only if you still need a qualification or trade registration — see those guides.

Other costs

Insurance from roughly R250 per month, banking from roughly R60 per month. FIX IT's Business Start-Up Package guides you through the whole sequence for R350 once-off.

10Expected turnaround time

A focused provider can complete Phases 1 and 2 in two to three weeks. Trade registrations take longer.

11Renewal requirements

Review your compliance pack annually — most documents renew on a twelve-month cycle.

12Official website

SEDA

13Official contact details

  • SEDA: 0860 103 703
  • FIX IT Compliance Team: admin@empowr.co.za

14Frequently asked questions

What is the single first thing I should do?

Get your identity documents and proof of address in order. Everything else depends on them.

Company or sole operator?

Start as a sole operator if you are testing the market. Register a company once you are taking on staff or commercial work.

How much do I need to start?

Excluding tools and a trade qualification, most providers formalise for under R3 000 in the first year.

15How FIX IT verifies this

  • Each document in the sequence is verified through its own process — see the individual guides.
  • Your Compliance Progress widget in the provider dashboard tracks which steps are done and which are outstanding.
  • Every incomplete item links straight to the guide that explains how to complete it.

16Download centre

Start-up sequence checklist (PDF)The full five-phase checklist on one page.Start-up budget worksheet (PDF)Estimate your true first-year compliance cost.

You may also need

New Provider ChecklistRequired

Everything needed to go from sign-up to your first FIX IT job offer.

CIPC RegistrationRecommended

Register a private company (Pty) Ltd with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

SARS Tax RegistrationRequired

Register as a taxpayer and keep your tax affairs in good standing with SARS.

Business BankingRequired

A bank account in your business name — the account FIX IT pays your earnings into.