Owning a business in Montagu differs somewhat from owning one in a place like Cape Town. Networking for one is critical as the people in Montagu are known for networking extensively amongst themselves. A newcomer can be forgiven for thinking that this is a sleepy "dorpie" and that the inhabitants are not a cosmopolitan lot, but that cannot be further from the truth. Be warned - we are a critical bunch! We expect and demand a high standard and wont settle for anything less.

That being said, we are also willing to offer advice, genuinely want new businesses to succeed and are known for being exceptionally friendly and helpful.

The best thing that a new business owner can do when coming to Montagu is to speak extensively to the locals and then follow-up by actually using the information that they have gleaned.

The businesses that have thrived in Montagu are the ones that are constantly ensuring that they always keep the locals in mind, make them feel special and don't value the tourist above the Montaguers.

As with many other small towns, we also have two categories of business owners.Those taking a proactive role in promoting their businesses with specials, changing stock and advertising (even bartering with other locals) and those who sit staring at the front door wondering why they are not getting any business.

Overall, for the size of the town, Montagu offers a fairly wide spectrum of shops and services to cater for most of your needs and you will find that the majority of business owners will bend backwards to give excellent service.