First Business Wellness | Holistic Business Development Support

top of page

First Business Wellness

Experts and institutions united to empower and grow South African businesses and communities

First Business Wellness services include business wellness assessments, brand strategy, marketing, accounting, tax, legal services, HR consulting, industrial psychology, recruitment, training, leadership development, ICT, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, AI, business development, investment readiness, community development, sustainability, workshops, dialogue sessions and business certification.

What does your business need right now?

First Business Wellness | Business Support, Strategy & Professional Services

First Business Wellness (FBW) is a multidisciplinary business support ecosystem helping entrepreneurs, SMMEs, growing enterprises and business leaders access trusted professional expertise through one integrated platform.

Our holistic approach brings experienced professionals together across the critical areas that influence business performance, including brand strategy and marketing, accounting and taxation, legal services, ICT and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, human resources, industrial psychology, recruitment, leadership development, training, business development, investment readiness, sustainability and community development.

Businesses can begin with the First Business Wellness Assessment, designed to identify strengths, risks and priority areas requiring attention. Relevant FBW professionals can then provide specialist assessment, strategic guidance and practical solutions according to the needs and stage of the business.

FBW also supports entrepreneurs through business workshops, facilitated dialogue sessions, professional networking, strategic partnerships and First Business Wellness Certification, helping businesses strengthen compliance, accountability, credibility and their competitive position.

Our aim is simple: to give business owners access to the right expertise, at the right time, through a collaborative approach that supports stronger decision-making, sustainable growth and long-term business wellness.

First Business Wellness | Business Support, Strategy & Professional Services

First Business Wellness (FBW) is a multidisciplinary business support ecosystem helping entrepreneurs, SMMEs, growing enterprises and business leaders access trusted professional expertise through one integrated platform.

Our holistic approach brings experienced professionals together across the critical areas that influence business performance, including brand strategy and marketing, accounting and taxation, legal services, ICT and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, human resources, industrial psychology, recruitment, leadership development, training, business development, investment readiness, sustainability and community development.

Businesses can begin with the First Business Wellness Assessment, designed to identify strengths, risks and priority areas requiring attention. Relevant FBW professionals can then provide specialist assessment, strategic guidance and practical solutions according to the needs and stage of the business.

FBW also supports entrepreneurs through business workshops, facilitated dialogue sessions, professional networking, strategic partnerships and First Business Wellness Certification, helping businesses strengthen compliance, accountability, credibility and their competitive position.

Our aim is simple: to give business owners access to the right expertise, at the right time, through a collaborative approach that supports stronger decision-making, sustainable growth and long-term business wellness.

First Business Wellness | Business Support, Strategy & Professional Services

First Business Wellness (FBW) is a multidisciplinary business support ecosystem helping entrepreneurs, SMMEs, growing enterprises and business leaders access trusted professional expertise through one integrated platform.

Our holistic approach brings experienced professionals together across the critical areas that influence business performance, including brand strategy and marketing, accounting and taxation, legal services, ICT and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, human resources, industrial psychology, recruitment, leadership development, training, business development, investment readiness, sustainability and community development.

Businesses can begin with the First Business Wellness Assessment, designed to identify strengths, risks and priority areas requiring attention. Relevant FBW professionals can then provide specialist assessment, strategic guidance and practical solutions according to the needs and stage of the business.

FBW also supports entrepreneurs through business workshops, facilitated dialogue sessions, professional networking, strategic partnerships and First Business Wellness Certification, helping businesses strengthen compliance, accountability, credibility and their competitive position.

Our aim is simple: to give business owners access to the right expertise, at the right time, through a collaborative approach that supports stronger decision-making, sustainable growth and long-term business wellness.

Holistic Imagepng.jpg

Wellness Check-Up image.png

4 basic steps.png

Our Core Support Areas

Real Expertise. Real Accountability.

Neil Smith (Founder & Chairperson)

Brand Strategy / Marketing

Neil Smith began designing brands to fund his Visual Communication studies at CPUT, where he was named Student of the Year and won three national design awards. He later founded Probe Magazine and, after completing advanced studies in Strategic Brand Management, launched SmithGroup, serving parastatals, corporates, and NGOs. Today, he leads NSBrandExperience and founded First Business Wellness (FBW) to support SMMEs. A former Chair of Design South Africa and advisor to CPUT and Stellenbosch University. Neil currently serves on the Drakenstein Business Chamber Advisory Committee. Neil has earned international recognition for Excellence in Brand Strategy and NGO Marketing, and remains dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the professional support he lacked at 24.
Email:neil@businesswellness.co.za

Prof. Pieter Duvenage

Dialogue Sessions / Facilitator

BA, BLC, BA(Hons), MA, DPhil, LAkad.
Pieter Duvenage is a South African philosopher, academic, and public thinker known for bridging classical ideas with modern societal challenges. He has studied and lectured at leading universities in South Africa and Germany and currently serves as an extraordinary professor of philosophy at North-West University. His work explores the connection between ethics, public life, responsible debate, and understanding in a fast-changing technological era. Pieter is widely published and frequently appears in national media as a commentator on the relationship between thought, politics, and society. His most comprehensive work, Moving Thought, reflects years of study on what it means to think and act wisely in turbulent times. Pieter currently serves on the Drakenstein Business Chamber Advisory Committee.
Email: pieter@businesswellness.co.za

Dr Cindy Rautenbach

Psychology Consulting / Strategy

BCom, Honours, MCom, and PhD in Industrial Psychology. Cindy is the founder of Optential Consulting and a passionate advocate for unlocking both individual and organisational potential. As a registered Industrial Psychologist with more than 16 years of experience, she has worked across diverse industries to help leaders and teams build strong foundations for sustainable success. Cindy’s expertise spans Human Resources, leadership development, and organisational change, with a focus on guiding businesses — from startups to growing enterprises — through transformation. She holds a BCom, Honours, MCom, and PhD in Industrial Psychology, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Leadership. Throughout her career, Cindy has dedicated herself to helping people thrive at work, building resilient organisations, and shaping environments where growth, innovation, and performance go hand in hand.
Email: cindy@busiinesswellness.co.za

Jamilla Parker-Khan

Financial / Taxation

CA(SA), MPhil (Taxation), Registered Tax Practitioner.
She is a director at RAFT Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an accounting and tax practice servicing SMME’s as well as large corporates. Jamilla specialises in corporate tax and is a trusted business partner to the groups of companies she services. She has more than 20 years’ experience in tax and was formerly a manager in the financial services tax department at PwC Cape Town and well as Lead: Insurance Tax and Reporting as part of Old Mutual Limited’s group tax department. Her work involves ensuing that tax obligations are appropriately managed, compliance requirements are met and tax risks are identified and addressed. She supports taxpayers through SARS engagements, dispute resolution processes and tax governance.
Email:jamilla@businesswellness.co.za

Monica Nel

Legal Services

BCom, LLB. Monica Nel is an admitted attorney and notary, and an Associate at Preshnee Govender Attorneys (Cape Town), with more than 11 years’ experience in the legal profession. She holds BCom and LLB from the University of Pretoria and is admitted to practice in South Africa and New South Wales, Australia, as a solicitor.
Her areas of experience include litigation, family law, wills and estates, labour law, corporate and commercial law, contract law and dispute resolution. Monica also contributes to the community tendering her services pro bono as a Commissioner of the Small Claims Courts. Email:monica@businesswellness.co.za

Shawn Coetzee

People Training / Development

MBA Shawn Coetzee is the Managing Director of SC Management and Advisory Solutions (Pty) Ltd and former CEO of SAPO Trust, serving the South African fruit industry globally.
With over 20 years of executive leadership, he is a turnaround specialist, strategic thinker, and leadership development expert. He holds an MBA from Stellenbosch University and chairs its Business School Alumni Association (Western Cape). A Licensee of LMI and advocate of values-based, servant leadership, he mentors leaders across all levels. Shawn is a former OECD Chair, UNECE delegate, and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Legal Aid South Africa and member of IoDSA and IRMSA.
Email:shawn@businesswellness.co.za

Cathleen Gultig

Recruiting / HR Services
She believes partnership, integrity, and forward-thinking innovation are the foundations of meaningtul success.
As Founder and
Managing Director of InovaArch, she blends strategic vision with a people-first approach, building strong partnerships and enabling global businesses to transition into South Africa with confidence.
Her leadership is guided by ESG principles, ensuring growth with responsibility and purpose.
Cathleen's competitive spirit shines through her love for rugby and her curiosity about world events and global trends.
Email:cathleen@businesswellness.co.za

Preshnee Govender

Legal Services

LLB. Preshnee Govender is the Director of Preshnee Govender Attorneys and holds an LLB degree, obtained from the University of Durban. With over 20 years of experience in the legal profession, she has successfully built and operated her practice across three provinces in South Africa.
Preshnee is committed to providing professional, accessible and client-focused legal services to the broader public, while fostering inspirational leadership and excellence within her legal team. As an entrepreneur and legal practitioner, she has developed particular interests in wills and estates, as well as corporate and commercial law.
Her leadership is underpinned by a strong commitment to professional integrity, practical legal solutions and the continued growth of both her practice and the people within it. Email:preshnee@businesswellness.co.za

Kyle O'Neill

ICT Solutions

BA Psychology Kyle O’Neill brings over a decade of experience in IT and technology, specialising in business IT services and strategic support. He focuses on enabling SMMEs in South Africa and across Africa, where reliable IT solutions drive long-term growth and innovation. As a hands-on professional, Kyle and his team deliver tailored IT management and support that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and align with business goals. Their approach positions IT as a core enabler, not just a function. Passionate about empowering businesses of all sizes, Kyle is committed to collaborating, solving challenges, and driving innovation in the B2B space.
Email:kyle@businesswellness.co.za

Jarrod Lyons

Business Development / Opportunities

MSc in Cell & Molecular Biology, National Diploma in Oceanography (Chemical & Physical). Jarrod Lyons is an experienced advisor in sustainable infrastructure, business development and green economy investment, with more than 15 years of experience across the public and private sectors.
As the former Executive: Business Development at the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, he led investor attraction, project structuring and the development of one of South Africa’s leading Greentech hubs. His expertise includes renewable energy, the circular economy, Special Economic Zone optimisation, investment facilitation and policy navigation. Combining his scientific and environmental background with strong commercial insight, Jarrod helps businesses unlock investment opportunities, navigate complex regulatory environments and build resilient strategic partnerships across Africa’s evolving green economy and energy landscape.
Email:jarrod@businesswellness.co.za

Mark George

Business Development / Legal Services

LLB. Mark George holds an LLB degree and is an accomplished entrepreneur with a strong interest in commercial and business development. He is a recognised and trusted partner who provides consulting services to Preshnee Govender Attorneys, contributing valuable commercial insight and strategic support to the practice.
With a keen understanding of business and commercial environments, Mark brings an entrepreneurial perspective to his work, with particular interests in commercial services, business advisory and international opportunities. His ability to identify opportunities, develop relationships and provide practical business solutions makes him a valued partner to both the firm and its clients. Email:mark@businesswellness.co.za

Robina Steyn

Industrial Psychology

BCom Hons (Industrial Psychology)
Master’s Candidate in Industrial Psychology. Robina is an HR Consultant with a passion for creating workplaces where people and performance thrive together. Robina’s work focuses on building strong organisational cultures, enhancing employee engagement, and supporting long-term growth. With experience across consulting and HR, she helps organisations implement strategies that strengthen both people and processes. Robina’s people-first mindset drives her commitment to unlocking potential and creating environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and productive. She believes that meaningful results are best achieved when organisations prioritise both individual well-being and collective performance.
Email: robina@businesswellness.co.za

Ridwana Parker

Financial Advisory / Administrative

Ridwana Parker is an Associate General Accountant (SA) [AGA(SA)] and an Accounting Manager at RAFT Consulting (Pty) Ltd, with extensive experience in accounting, taxation, audit and financial reporting. She is passionate about helping businesses navigate complex financial matters by providing practical, tailored solutions. She believes in building trusted, long-term relationships with her clients and supporting them in achieving their financial goals.

Abel Kortje

Community Development

Dip. Public Management, Cert. LAED
Head of Community Transformation.
Abel is the Founder of AJK Legacy and a Community Transformation Strategist with 30 years of experience in Local Government and 25 years working with Faith-Based leaders. He is dedicated to addressing social, economic, and spiritual issues to provide sustainable solutions for underserved communities. Passionate about empowering vulnerable communities, he focuses on holistic transformation.
Emnail:abel@businesswellness.co.za

Judy Johnstone

Human Resource / Talent
Acquisition

At InovaArch, Judy plays a key role as Business Development and Talent Attraction Executive.
With her warm personality and strategic mindset, she builds strong partnerships and drives growth, aligning top talent with opportunity and making a powerful impact every day. Judy finds joy in mindful decorating, hiking, and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. She treasures meaningful time with family and friends, especially at special gatherings.
Email:judy@businesswellness.co.za

Tommy Brown

Multi-media Practitioner

Tommy brings over two decades of multimedia and production experience to NSBRAND Experience.
His work combines storytelling excellence, creative conceptualisation and technical production expertise to deliver high-quality video content across every stage of the process, from planning and production to post-production. His portfolio spans hero videos, corporate communication, brand content and broadcast television commercials.
Email: tommy@businesswellness.co.za

Learn. Connect. Grow.

FBW Workshops bring entrepreneurs and experienced business professionals together to address real business challenges, share practical insights and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. Covering key areas such as strategy, finance, legal, people and culture, technology, marketing and business development, each workshop promotes practical learning, collaboration and informed decision-making through FBW’s holistic, multidisciplinary approach.

Selected workshops also guide SMMEs through the FBW Business Wellness Assessment and towards achieving FBW Certification. By identifying and addressing gaps across critical business success areas, businesses are supported in strengthening compliance, operational readiness and overall business wellness.

Achieving FBW Certification provides a powerful marketplace differentiator — demonstrating that a business has been independently assessed across key disciplines and is committed to professional standards, accountability and sustainable business practices.

FBW Certification identifies businesses committed to compliance, ethical conduct, accountability and sustainable business wellness

Your business.
The right experts.

One place.

Practical, professional support across the critical

areas of your business.

Start Your Complimentary Wellness Check-Up >

bottom of page