The information economy is one that relies on knowledge and information rather than labour and capital that is, the economy is shifting from being capital-driven to being information-driven. Small businesses have the same information needs as their larger counterparts, but they are usually in a disadvantaged information position in terms of finance and expertise. Web portals offer small businesses platforms to reach information resources effectively and hence create a stimulating business community for South African entrepreneurs.

This paper reports on the usage of business information and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) amongst small retail business owners and managers in South Africa. Quantitative research in the form of a questionnaire survey was conducted among owners and managers of small businesses in the retail industry to determine their information resources and requirements for information services.

Convenience sampling was used in five major shopping centres in the greater Johannesburg metropolitan area. Only non-franchised retail stores were solicited and their owners or managers were asked to complete the questionnaire. Thirty questionnaires were completed for each area and a total of 150 questionnaires were used for the statistic analysis in this research. The paper will focus on the results and analysis of the findings.