Small businesses in South Africa have a new resource at the touch of a WhatsApp icon. SMMEStart, a chat-based service, aims to provide small and medium-sized business owners with important information and resources. This service was developed by Praekelt.org with JoziHub in South Africa. The idea for the chatbot was born from the success of the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 alert robot launched last year. This robot provided instant information and answers to concerned citizens about the pandemic. Additionally, many small business owners have been profoundly affected by the pandemic, which has led SMMEStart to see an advantage in a WhatsApp-based service for those just starting out and those trying to get back on their feet. From marketing insights to legal advice, the service aims to democratize and make these vital resources affordable for businesses that cannot afford expertise in these areas.