Smartbook started the way most great ideas do — with frustration.
A few years ago, we were trying to register a company. Simple, right? It wasn’t. Endless forms, confusing acronyms, unclear timelines, and zero guidance. Every small step forward felt like three steps back. CIPC, SARS, COID — it felt like you needed a law degree just to open a bank account.
And we thought: Surely there’s a better way.
So we built it.
Smartbook was born out of that pain, not just our own, but the same pain experienced by thousands of South African entrepreneurs who just want to run a legit business without getting buried in red tape.
We started helping a few friends register their companies, then filing annual returns, then helping with VAT and tax clearance certificates. Word spread. Suddenly, we weren’t just doing admin — we were making business easier for real people.
Today, Smartbook is the go-to service for startups and small businesses who want the job done right, the first time, without the usual headaches.
We still do it over coffee — just with a bigger team, faster systems, and a mission to help entrepreneurs do what they do best: build businesses that matter.
Our story
Smartbook
At Smartbook, we make business compliance simple. Whether you're just starting out or looking to stay on top of your legal obligations, we help South African entrepreneurs and businesses handle everything from company registration to ongoing CIPC compliance, shareholder changes, tax registrations, and more. We exist to take the admin off your plate so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Our team combines real expertise with a modern, online approach — offering fast, affordable, and reliable services tailored to your needs. At Smartbook, we don’t just tick boxes — we make sure your business is set up to succeed, stay compliant, and grow.
Help small businesses become big businesses.
Make starting a business effortless
We take the stress out of launching your company, so you can focus on doing what you love.
Create smart tools that make running a business easier
We design practical tools and resources that help you manage operations more effectively and efficiently.
Cut through the red tape of compliance
We guide you through legal and regulatory requirements, making sure your business stays compliant—without the overwhelm.
Put customer feedback at the heart of what we build
We pay close attention to what our users struggle with, then build solutions that truly solve their problems.
Take the manual work off your plate
By automating day-to-day admin, we give you back your time to focus on growing your business.
Empower small businesses often left behind
Our mission is to support and uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing equal access to the tools they need to thrive.