By Sue-Ann de Wet

A packet of biltong, a familiar scent, or a chat about rugby can be an unexpected starting point for new acquaintances. For those of us living abroad, a local business offering something familiar can also become a place to meet others and gradually begin to feel part of a community.

Therefore the value of small businesses often extends well beyond the products on their shelves. They create opportunities for people to connect, share experiences, and introduce one another to new contacts.

Saffa Maso in Prague, Czech Republic, is an example of a business that brings these possibilities together. The business is listed on AfriForum Worldwide’s World Guide and, according to its profile, has expanded from an online biltong shop into a bistro. The profile describes a meeting place that welcomes people from various communities, including the diaspora and local Czechs.

On Saffa Maso’s own website, Nicolaas recounts how, after moving to the Czech Republic, he longed for the familiar taste of biltong. With the support of family and friends, he began his own production. Today, the business’s offerings include biltong, dry wors, South African spices and wine, with a shop and bistro in Prague.

This combination of familiar products and a physical space to gather offers a simple starting point for connection. You don’t need to walk through the door with a grand personal story; you can simply start by ordering something, asking about a product, or chatting about a shared taste. In this way, an everyday visit can create an opportunity for a future conversation.

This is precisely where local businesses and networks can strengthen one another. A recommendation within a community group helps someone discover a business, and a satisfied customer might then mention it to a colleague or neighbour. With every referral, the business becomes more visible, and yet another person finds a reason to reach out.

These encounters can also create an opportunity to share your culture with others. When a local friend tastes biltong for the first time or asks about a familiar dish, a conversation begins in which both parties can learn something new.

AfriForum Worldwide’s World Guide helps you discover businesses and services across national borders. You can search by country and category, and find the contact details for various businesses.

Feel free to support a business in your area, share your experience, and bring someone along on your next visit. The value that small businesses bring to a community grows when people discover them, support them, and recommend them to others.

Discover Saffa Maso on the World Guide or visit wereldgids.co.za to find businesses in your area. Do you own a business yourself? List it on the World Guide so that others can discover you as well.