Stacey Spence: 15 years of banking, building relationships and supporting businesses.
It takes a reliable and strong woman to spend more than a decade at one workplace, growing through different roles while continuing to find purpose in what she does. Whether it is the people who make the environment worthwhile or the passion that keeps her going, there is something admirable about a woman who commits to her professional journey and allows herself to grow along the way.
Stacey Spence, Business Manager at FNB, is one such woman. Her journey with the bank began in January 2005, when she joined the Cleary Park branch as a teller. More than 15 years later, she is working directly with business clients, helping them navigate their banking needs and connect with relevant financial support.
Interestingly, banking was never the original plan. “I was studying Public Relations when I joined FNB because I needed an income,” Stacey shares. What began as a way to earn a living gradually became a career she values, shaped by years of experience, changing responsibilities and relationships with business owners.
She initially joined as a contractor before being appointed permanently in March 2005. From there, she moved across different departments and branches, primarily in sales roles, eventually becoming a Business Manager.
Looking back, she says, “I do not regret making banking my career.”
It is a reminder that sometimes our professional journeys do not follow the plans we make for ourselves. An opportunity taken out of necessity can become a space where we discover our strengths and find meaningful work.
Understanding the business behind the numbers
Working closely with entrepreneurs has given Stacey a view of the realities of running a business. She understands that behind every funding request is a business owner trying to manage expenses, generate income, grow operations or keep things moving during difficult periods.
One lesson she continues to emphasise is the importance of understanding the financial side of a business.
“Entrepreneurs need to understand how their businesses generate income and where they spend money,” she explains.
For Stacey, accurate and up-to-date financial records are not simply paperwork to be completed when a bank requests them. They help business owners understand how their businesses are performing and make better-informed decisions.
Stacey Spence: 15 years of banking, building relationships and supporting businesses.
She also encourages entrepreneurs to invest in practical business education, mentorship and professional networks. Learning from experienced people and connecting with other business owners can help entrepreneurs recognize opportunities, navigate challenges and avoid making decisions without the necessary information.
However, she is clear about the value that entrepreneurs themselves bring to the relationship.
“I recognise that my clients understand their industries. My role is to bring banking expertise to the conversation and help them access relevant support.”
It is a partnership built around understanding the business owner's needs while identifying the banking solutions and expertise that may be appropriate.
Preparing before the money is needed
For many small business owners, approaching a financial institution can feel intimidating, particularly when they are unsure what information will be required. Stacey believes preparation can make these conversations more productive.
The first step is knowing the business beyond its day-to-day activities. Entrepreneurs should understand where their income comes from, what their major expenses are, how much funding they need and exactly what that funding will be used for.
Keeping personal and business finances separate is another important practice. When the two are mixed, it can become difficult to see how the business is actually performing. Clear records help business owners track income and expenses and present a more accurate picture of their operations.
Stacey also advises entrepreneurs not to wait until they are under financial pressure before engaging their bank.
“It is useful to begin preparing before funding becomes urgent and to engage the bank early to understand what information may be required,” she says.
Of course, having the right documents does not guarantee that an application will be approved. Every funding request is assessed according to the relevant criteria. But being organised can help entrepreneurs understand their financial position and have more informed discussions with their banking partners.
For Stacey, the relationship should not end when a funding application is unsuccessful.
“A funding application may not always have the outcome a client wants, but ongoing engagement can help the business owner better understand the information that may be relevant to future funding discussions.”
That perspective places value on the long-term relationship, rather than treating every interaction as a once-off transaction.
Women building businesses and opening doors
Over the years, Stacey has personally seen more women pursue entrepreneurship and build businesses. She believes that while financial solutions are important, access to knowledge, mentorship, business networks and market opportunities can also make a difference.
Women supporting one another through shared knowledge and business referrals can create valuable connections. Sometimes, a conversation with another entrepreneur can introduce a business owner to a new opportunity, a useful contact or an approach they had not previously considered.
These connections matter in an environment where entrepreneurs must continually learn and adapt.
Stacey's own career has also required her to develop confidence and remain open to new opportunities. Reflecting on her experience as a woman in banking, she says her upbringing and time at an all-girls school helped her learn to speak up.
“I have learnt to speak up respectfully and support my views with facts,” she explains.
She has also learnt the importance of putting herself forward.
“You may not always know where an opportunity will lead, but growth requires a willingness to challenge yourself.”
Her approach is not about having every answer before taking the next step. It is about being willing to learn, ask questions and make use of opportunities when they arise.
That mindset continues to shape her professional development. Stacey is currently completing further training focused on process improvement, reinforcing her belief that remaining relevant requires continuous learning and applying new knowledge to her work.
Three lessons for the woman starting out
As our conversation turns to young women in the Eastern Cape who are thinking about starting businesses, Stacey brings her advice back to practical steps.
Her first lesson is to keep accurate and current financial records. Understanding how money moves through a business can help an entrepreneur assess performance and make informed decisions.
Second, she encourages women to separate their personal finances from their business finances. This makes it easier to understand what the business earns, what it spends and where improvements may be needed.
Her third lesson is to keep learning and seek appropriate guidance. As a business grows, its financial and operational needs change. Mentorship, relevant training and access to experienced people can help entrepreneurs respond to those changes.
These may not be the most glamorous parts of entrepreneurship, but they are important foundations for building a business that can stand the test of time.
A career built on growth
Stacey's journey from teller to Business Manager is a story of professional growth, but it is also a reminder that careers can develop in unexpected ways. She entered banking while studying something different, discovered a career she came to value and built experience across different roles.
Today, her work brings her into conversations with entrepreneurs who are working to build something of their own. She understands that each business has its own circumstances, challenges and ambitions, and that the right support begins with listening.
For women building businesses in the Eastern Cape, her message is simple: understand your numbers, prepare before opportunities arise, build relationships and never stop learning.
Sometimes, the most valuable business advice is not complicated. It is about putting the right foundations in place, asking for guidance when needed and remaining committed to the work of building something sustainable.
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