International Journal of Entrepreneurship Volume 22, Issue 4, 2018 1 1939-4675-22-4-225 AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ON SMALL BUSINESSES IN NOORDWYK Nontsikelelo Elephant, University of Johannesburg Bulelwa Maphela, University of Johannesburg ABSTRACT Literature indicates that the use of mobile technology by small businesses improves how the business performs and increases its likelihood of success. This paper sought to identify the access and use of mobile technology by small businesses in South Africa and its perceived impact on their success. A positivism approach was followed with a quantitative research method albeit the study was exploratory in nature. Surveys were conducted through the use of standardised questionnaires to collect data. Results revealed that small business owners in Noordwyk have access to mobile technology, with the majority owning about 3.4 devices on average, and that they make use of mobile technology extensively in the running of their businesses. The costs associated with the use mobile technology such as the cost of data and airtime are some of the obstacles that hinder small business owners from taking full advantage of the benefits of mobile technology. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram play an important role in the marketing and branding of small businesses. This paper recommends that future research should focus on same study on various samples and studies on how mobile technology impacts productivity and profitability in small businesses. In addition, it suggests that the South African government can look into subsidising small businesses with regards to the costs associated with the use of mobile technology, over and above the funding initiatives in place. Keywords: SMEs, Mobile Technology, Small Businesses. INTRODUCTION The South African government has been adopting economic policies whose main focus is on economic development that results in the creation of employment and alleviation of poverty (National Department of Economic Development, 2010). This is due to the slow growth in the economy which results to the country’s failure to reduce unemployment l evels, poverty and income inequality. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has released unemployment data that shows minimal improvement over the years and also revealing that South Africa is currently facing the worst levels of unemployment since 2008. According to Stats SA, unemployment rates for the past 10 years (2008-2017) have remained relatively the same with a slight trend upward (Statistics South Africa, 2017). Consequently, the small businesses sector features profoundly in most of the government policies as it recognises the importance of this segment of the economy in the overall economic growth of the country. This sector finds itself at the centre of government’s strides as it is believed to have the potential to bring about economic growth that is inclusive, sustainable and empowering to South Africans through its potential to create jobs (National Planning Commission, 2011). Moreover, the sector has been identified as an essential