Black Peak Energy (Pty) Ltd
What does your company do?
BlackPeak Energy is an energy auditing and greenhouse gas advisory firm. We specialise in the issuance of Energy Performance Certification (EPC) of buildings and carbon foot-printing. EPCs are a a new industry in the South Africa and was borne out of the county's commitments to Paris Accord to limit global warming, as part of the Just Energy Transition. Our purpose is to contribute to a low carbon society and thus create a sustainable future for generations to come.
What is your biggest success?
Within our first year of operation, from a start-up having no experience with the tendering process, we landed very important projects. It was a massive learning curve but it enabled the company, from a financial standpoint, to make our intern (Nomfundo) a full time employee. Personally, the biggest success was being able to partner with International Energy Professionals Africa (IEPA) and mentor and train her during this time. Providing her with employment was the most rewarding feeling.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
As a start-up, managing the cash flow has been the most challenging hurdle. Although there are loans and funding structures, most of them will not loan a start-up without surety. From my experience no one wants to see your business plan or understand your model without getting commitments for unjustifiably high interest rates. In addition, as a small business, our target audience for EPCs are large real estate and commercial property groups. These groups very often don't give us an opportunity to showcase our offerings.
